When The Argus invited readers to name a teacher they believed extra special, the nominations poured in for Jim Russell.

The English teacher, a mainstay at East Brighton College of Media Arts for almost 14 years, was praised by pupils and parents for his contribution to the Whitehawk community. They believe he should be honoured in The Argus Achievement Awards, launched this year.

Pupil Susan Ives said: "He always finds time to have a chat and help you in times of need. He's fair but strict.

"He teaches with passion and his classes are great. When the school closed three years ago we demonstrated to save his job. Mr Russell is our school."

Fellow pupil Darren Chambers said: "He's funny, he makes us laugh and he's not too strict - he's a great teacher.

"He helps and understands our family problems. He taught my dad and other members of my family - he's been in our school forever. He's cool."

Abby Shallcross, from Hollingdean, said: "Everyone respects him. You can talk to him and he helps you. He understands us."

Adults, too, were keen to pay tribute to Mr Russell's contribution to the school and wider community.

Parent Barbara Draper, of Coolham Drive, Whitehawk, praised Mr Russell for the support he gave pupils in the wake of the murder of 16-year-old pupil Jay Kensett.

Jay was stabbed as he walked to his Whitehawk home in March 1999. The death of the popular teenager traumatised the community.

Mrs Draper, whose son was a friend of Jay's, said: "Mr Russell guided Jay's friends through the worst time of their young lives and he's still there for them. He is the school.

"He's loved and respected by everyone. He's more than just a teacher - he's a friend."

School principal Dr Jill Clough was not surprised to hear of the popularity of her assistant principal.

She said: "He's an absolute rock. He has huge respect within the school and the community.

"He's a very private man. I think he will be overwhelmed and shocked by this but extremely pleased."

Mr Russell, 49, who is married and lives in Hove, said: "I'm very touched. This is a tremendous accolade, quite stunning. I just turn up each day to do my job.

"The key thing for me is the students and the need to give them and the community a school they can be proud of.

"Some days you go home thinking 'Why am I doing this job?' But then the next day a student comes up and says 'Thank-you, sir' and that makes a whole lot of difference."

He said the murder of Jay Kensett was one of the most testing times for the school.

At the time he opened up the school for distraught pupils to share their grief, arranged counselling and spoke at the teenager's funeral.

He said: "There was a lot of emotion and for the students, who also had their exams coming up, it was a very difficult time."

In April 1999 pupils and parents protested outside the school - then called Marina High School - in support of Mr Russell and other teachers whose jobs were under threat.

Students chanted Mr Russell's name for more than an hour until he came outside and led them back into their lessons.