THE legacy of a much-loved teacher from Malvern will live on after students put all hands on deck and built their own boat in his memory.

After months of hard work, the Derek Lang was launched for its maiden voyage on Saturday.

Mr Lang, head of business and economics at The Chase School, was just 48 when he passed away suddenly after having a heart attack during February half-term.

Pupils and staff were devastated and, remembering that Mr Lang once served in the Royal Navy, his colleague in the business department Chris Bell suggested a boat would be a fitting tribute.

Sixth-formers have been busy under his guidance ever since, hand-crafting the 14- foot vessel while riding a wave of support from former students and local businesses.

The much-anticipated launch took place at Arden Sailing Club, in Defford, near Pershore. It was attended by friends, colleagues, pupils and sponsors, as well as members of Mr Lang’s family.

After the boat was ‘christened’ with Malvern water supplied by Holywell Water Company it was slipped into the water and Mr Bell took it for its maiden voyage, under the watchful eye of West Midlands Search and Rescue.

Mr Bell said: “It was a very positive day and Derek’s family were immensely proud and thankful that he had been remembered in this way,” he said.

The boat’s is based on the Grand Banks dory, a traditional fishing boat that was commonplace in parts of the USA in the mid-19th century.

This was chosen as Mr Lang spent time teaching in North Carolina earlier in his career. Mr Bell said the aim of creating a lasting legacy to his colleague had been well and truly met, with the boat expected to provide at least 20 years of service.

Before it is handed over to the rowing club at The Chase, Mr Bell is to use it for a fund-raising row along the River Thames in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

􀁥 There is a chance to see the boat at The Chase Christmas Fayre on Friday, December 7.