by Hayley Robinson

hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Tributes have been paid to a former Sheppey teacher who died after falling into a ravine on the south Indian Ocean island of Reunion.

Carl Davies is believed to have been walking at the foot of mountains close to St Denys River when the accident happened last Wednesday.

It is not known how he fell, but there is speculation the former Royal Marine was working as a security consultant in the region's battle against piracy.

Jerome Talpin, a reporter at local newspaper Le Journal D l'ile de Reunion, said he understood the 33-year-old had been travelling by boat before the accident.

Mr Davies had worked as a teacher and head of public services at the Isle of Sheppey Academy until his resignation on August 31.

The former teacher has been described as "charismatic" and "popular".

Hundreds of messages have been posted by family, friends and students on a Facebook page entitled R.I.P Carl Davies.

One message reads: "Respectable, inspirational and a privilege to have known, a life full of achievements, serving Queen and country, schools and charities, someone to aspire to. A big smile and a big heart, sadly lost but never forgotten, a wonderful man."

His mum Maria responded: "I could not have described my son any better. Thank you."

His nan wrote: "Can't believe we won't ever see you again, will miss you so very much, you are always in our thoughts. Night God bless "flower", the love of our life. Sleep well."

David Day, principal of the Isle of Sheppey Academy, said: "Mr Davies was a charismatic and popular teacher with both colleagues and students and he will be sadly missed. We extend our condolences to his immediate family."

The 33-year-old left the Royal Marines in 2005 after active service in Iraq.

He then worked as an instructor for the British Legion-funded charity Skill Force - teaching life and survival skills to under-achieving children and those with low self-esteem, at Sittingbourne Community College.

It's understood he went on to work at a school in Essex before taking up a job opportunity at the Isle of Sheppey Academy.

Family, friends and students are expected to remember Carl this weekend by lighting and releasing dozens of Chinese lanterns at Minster beach.

The meeting point is the Little Oyster car park, The Leas, Minster, at 5pm on Saturday.

Anyone who knew Carl is invited to attend the launch, which takes place at 5.30pm.