Warm tributes have been paid to a popular young student who has died following a long battle with cancer.
Matthew Rocks was a pupil at Balwearie High School in Kirkcaldy before going on to study computer games development at Adam Smith College.
Teachers at his former school have spoken of his ”can-do attitude” despite regular absences for treatment.
Balwearie High rector James More said: ”Throughout his time at Balwearie, Matthew was constantly battling his leukaemia, yet remained unfailingly positive, attending school at every opportunity, even for half days.
”We were aware of his illness when he arrived at Balwearie and were immediately struck by the can-do attitude he displayed, even as a 12-year-old.”
Mr More broke the sad news to teachers this week and said all of the staff will ”remember Matthew fondly”.
”As one teacher put it, Matthew was a pupil who, given the serious nature of his illness, always had a smile on his face. He was a fighter,” Mr More told The Courier.
”Another teacher commented that Matthew worked hard, never wanted any fuss made of him and somehow kept up with his studies despite his regular absences for treatment.
”A member of staff also remembers his determination to help others, pointing to his fundraising for leukaemia research and any other cause he thought was worthy.”
Matthew had recently enrolled in the HND 3D computer animation course at Adam Smith College, after successfully completing a National Certificate in computer games development.
A college spokeswoman said: ”Students and staff are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of one of our students, Matthew Rocks.
”He was an excellent student who had previously completed NC at our Stenton Campus in Glenrothes.
”Despite a delayed start in college, Matthew quickly caught up with his studies through his enthusiasm and hard work he had a strong character and was a fighter.”
She added: ”He had great skills in creative animation and was well liked by his classmates and lecturers. We offer our condolences to Matthew’s family at this very sad time.”
The student’s untimely death saw dozens of youngsters post tributes online.
His family also released details of his funeral on Twitter. Alan Rocks said: ”For everyone who knew Matthew Rocks, his funeral is this Friday 9.30 at Kirkcaldy Crematorium. He wishes for no black ties. Thank you.”