A SOUTH Cheshire schoolboy tragically hanged himself at home last week while on study leave for his GCSE exams.

Richard Peever, a 16-year-old pupil at Sandbach School, was found by his mother at their home in Newton's Grove in Winterley on Wednesday.

His family have been inundated with condolences from school staff and pupils.

Richard was described as a respected student, who was elected form captain and expected to continue into the school's sixth form.

Devastated classmates are now being offered counselling to cope with the loss.

Headteacher Peter Wiles said: "It is with the greatest of regret that the school announces the death of Richard Peever, a Year 11 student.

"The school staff, governors and pupils have all sent their deepest condolences to Mr and Mrs Peever and their family, who live in Winterley.

"Richard was a valued member of Year 11, in which he had many close friends and a very caring and experienced tutor.

"He was a highly respected student who was elected by his peers as form captain this year.

"Richard was a bright, intelligent boy who would have made an excellent member of the school's sixth form.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour and a dry wit which was much enjoyed by both his friends and teachers.

"The last time Mrs Gaston, Richard's tutor, saw him was prior to their examination stand-down when the form booked a table at a local restaurant to reminisce over their school career.

"It was a memorable evening for all who were present."

Police were called in to the family home last Wednesday at 12.35pm and have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Richard's death comes just 15 months after another Sandbach School pupil, 16-year-old Matthew Potts, was found hanged in his home.

And another Sandbach teenager, 17-year-old Jenny Scott, took her life in January.