TRIBUTES have poured in for a Limekilns teacher who has been instrumental in making Fife school kids ready for the world of work.

Countless pupils credit Raymond Fernie as pivotal in achieving their dream jobs through his work setting up an employability initiative at Lochgelly High School and then in his role as Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) manager at Fife Council.

The 58-year-old former dockyard worker lost his eight-year battle with prostate cancer on March 1.

Phil Black, head of education and children’s services at Fife Council, said: “Ray Fernie was a highly-regarded teacher who made a significant impact on the lives of so many young people in Fife.

"Ray had a real passion for his work and gave freely of his time to support others.

"A very popular teacher, an extremely genuine colleague and a much-respected person across Fife Council and beyond, the success of the DYW initiative in Fife and, in particular, the Foundation Apprenticeship scheme, is his legacy to Fife."

Raymond first pioneered an employability initiative at Lochgelly High after local employer FiFab said pupils were not just not ready for the world of work.

He helped run workshops as well as connecting employers with the school to make sure employability skills were part of the curriculum.

He then took this blueprint to his role at Fife Council.

Thomas Summerfield, 19, from Cardenden, beat hundreds of applicants to get an apprenticeship with EDF thanks to Raymond.

He told the Press: "I had no idea what I wanted to do but Mr Fernie helped me get onto an engineering course and get a placement at Mossmorran.

"I was just one of six applicants that got taken on by EDF and I think I'm the only person from Fife who has ever got onto it.

"I've really got to thank Mr Fernie for that because he made me stand out.

"It was a really massive shock to me when I found out he had died. I was just lost for words and it's very sad.

"I know I will always look back at school and think about what he did for us."

The news of his death has shocked the community with many not even knowing that Raymond was ill.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011.

His wife, Shireen, 50, said: "We had good times during those years, and made some very special memories, it was devastating when the cancer returned a couple of years ago.

"He should have lived longer, however, he developed a rare cancer cell that apparently only one in 100 men with prostate cancer get.

"He never submitted to his own doubts and was rarely off work and took steps so people didn't even know he was ill and that's the way he wanted it really, especially for our daughter, Emma.

"Although he had his own troubles, it was his health that drove him on to new objectives, not least helping to raise over £100,000 for prostate cancer.

"He was very proud of this family, as we are of him and what he achieved. He had a vision and we, the family alongside his colleagues, want to keep that legacy going."

Donations were made at Raymond's funeral to continue his legacy developing youth employability.

Discussions are in the early stages but it's hoped that a foundation could be set up in his memory. The family can be contacted via the Press if anyone is interested in supporting this initiative.