Tributes have poured in to a much-loved science teacher and dad who was killed in a road accident while cycling on the Cat and Fiddle.

Guy Wharton, 46, from Bollington, died following a collision with a Renault Clio on the A537 Buxton New Road in Macclesfield yesterday at about 5.20pm.

Tributes have been made by Tytherington School, where he had worked since 2002.

In a statement on the school’s website, headteacher Manny Botwe said: “It is with great regret that I inform you of the sudden death of the much-loved Science teacher Guy Wharton.

“Mr Wharton will be hugely missed. He was a great teacher and arrived at Tytherington School in 2002. I would like to take this opportunity to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and three children.”

Read more: Macclesfield cyclist in fatal car crash

Mr Botwe said the school was supporting staff and students, and opened a book of condolence in the school reception. And current pupils are planning a special memorial bike ride.

Meanwhile. dozens of people, including many former students and colleagues, have flooded the Macclesfield Express Facebook page with moving tributes.

Hazel Hughes said: “So very saddened by this tragic news. Guy was a dear friend to my husband, his cycling buddy and a true family man. All our thoughts go out to his beautiful family at this time.”

Read more: Family tributes to tragic Bollington motorcyclist

Adam Wilson said: “RIP Mr Wharton. Top teacher, Top bloke and all round great man. Thanks for what you did, you’ll never be forgotten and my thoughts go to all family. I’m sure your legacy will live on.”

Beverly Jayne Kinder sad: “RIP Guy. What an amazing teacher and person. I feel honoured to have worked alongside you for many years. So very very sad. Love and thoughts to all your family and friends.”

Laura Newton said: “Mr Wharton was an amazing man who knew exactly how to get to our level and make teaching so fun. Still after 13 years of me leaving school, he would stop for a chat and always wish you best. Happiest teacher by a long way. This is a very, very sad day.”

Alex Gallemore said: “Not only was Guy a great teacher, cyclist and one of the nicest blokes you could ever get to know, he was a unbelievable dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. Was a huge honour to have known and ridden with this great ‘Guy”. A huge loss for us all.”

Gareth Owen said: “One of the kindest, helpful teachers there could be.”

Jenna Bostock said: “Mr Wharton was one of the nicest teachers ever. He cared so much about every pupil that walked through his door. He was amazing with me during hard times at school, and I remember him fondly writing in my yearbook ‘ain’t no sunshine when you’re gone’. He brightened not just mine but everybody’s days.”

Tytherington School, where Mr Wharton taught for 12 years

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Ashlea Watt said: “What tragic news, can’t believe it, he was an absolute legend. always had such a laugh in his lessons, he was truly the best teacher, everybody loved him, helped me too through some bad times.”

Sam Bradley said; “A great teacher and the friendliest bloke around, he recognised everyone of his pupils current and former and would stop and chat to everyone, talked to him many a time on Buxton Road when he was out cycling.”

Megan Blunstone said: “He was an amazing teacher and taught me biology! He once took us outside for an experiment to throw water bombs at him.”

Jamie Fairbrother said: “Actually can’t believe this. What a true gentlemen the most friendliest guys you could ever meet helped me through some dark times.”