Former Hardenhuish School pupil Thomas Payne has died suddenly while working as a teacher in Bangkok.

Mr Payne, 33, was a well known face in Chippenham where he grew up and worked as a taxi driver for Easy’s, earning him the nickname ‘Happy Harry’.

He had been in Bangbon, Bangkok, for the past 18 months working as a physics teacher at the Sarasas Withead School when he died.

Rattanaporn Muhry, director of the Thai private school, paid tribute to the young teacher’s dedication.

She said: “Tom was a wonderful person who was always cheerful and helpful to his friends, colleagues and students.

“He always had a smile and always made others smile with him.

“He was a great ambassador for his country who will always be remembered as happy, smiling Tom.

“Rest in peace Tom, you helped make this a better world and you will never be forgotten.”

His mother Hilary said teaching was something he had always wanted to do.

She said: “He had such a energy and vitality for life – he worked hard and played hard.

“He had a very dynamic personality and that is something that made him a great teacher.

“We have had cards from children at the school saying how much of a fantastic teacher he was and how exciting he made science.”

After completing his degree in Physics at the University of Manchester, he went on to work at the Faccenda chicken factory in Sutton Benger to fund travelling around the world.

His outstanding academic qualifications earned him acceptance as a member of Mensa.

His mother, father Jim, and brother Sam ask that any friends of Thomas should feel free to attend a service to celebrate Tom’s life next Thursday, September 3, at Chippenham Sports Club at 5pm.

The family has asked that anyone wanting to attend should wear clothes they feel comfortable in and have asked for family flowers only.

Any donations should be made payable to the Springboard Opportunity Playgroup c/o Jones Funeral Directors and donations can be made at the service.