THE Kelly College community has been shocked by the death of one of its former pupils.

The college learned last Friday that Crispin Procter, from Meavy, had been found dead in Cardiff where he was a student.

Kelly headmaster Mark Turner said the college was 'reeling' from the news. 'We are numb' he said.

'Crispin had a collection of very close friends at Kelly and that group was very much in touch with him.

'We are a school that tends to keep in contact with Old Kelleians after they have left and no-one expected this. It has come as a bolt out of the blue.

'Everyone at the Kelly community wishes to extend their deepest sympathy to his family and close friends,' said Mr Turner.

Crispin had been a pupil betwen 1994 and July 1999 when he left to take up a higher education place at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, where he was studying International Hospitality Management.

Crispin enjoyed a successful Kelly career achieving academic qualifications at A-level in addition to a reputation as an outstanding sportsman and artist.

Principal of the University of Wales Institute, Professor Anthony J Chapman, told the Times: 'It was with regret that I was informed of the tragic death of Crispin Procter.

'My deepest sympathies, along with those of the staff and students at UWIC, are with his family, friends and contemporaries at this sad time.'

A spokesman for South Wales Police said they were not treating the death as suspicious. An inquest will be held.