Staff and pupils at Tarporley High School have ditched their razors and dug deep respectively in memory of a much-loved former student.

The family of Richard Pover – who passed away after a 19-month battle with testicular cancer when he was just 21 – are setting up a scholarship in his name at the University of Sheffield, where he was studying for a mechanical engineering degree.

The permanent endowment is intended as a lasting memorial to Richard as well as to help other budding engineers, and the Povers have raised £30,000 towards their £40,000 target so far.

Male teachers at Tarporley High grew moustaches last month for Povember, their take on Movember, while pupils sported fake moustaches on a sponsored non-uniform day.

Tarporley High School held 'Povember' rather than Movember in memory of former student Richard Pover

Richard's mum Anne told The Chronicle: "We have been humbled by some of the support we have received and for Richard’s brothers it means a lot to know that their former teachers and school are doing this for their brother.

"I can’t really believe we have raised £30,000. I wasn’t sure whether anyone would want to support us, but when I speak to people about it they are very sympathetic and supportive.

"It makes me feel that I’m doing something for Richard and gives me a focus.

"We are trying to make something positive out of our terrible family tragedy."

The Richard Pover Outstanding Contribution Award will be a permanent endowment, open to all students within the University of Sheffield’s Department of Mechanical Engineering who have excelled in their extra-curricular activities and made an outstanding contribution, just as Richard did.

If you would like to donate to the scholarship, click here.