Tributes have been paid to a Leicester College lecturer who worked at the further education institute in the city for 13 years.

Christopher Pickup, 64, a lecturer and trainer in hair and beauty, passed away on September 15 following a sudden illness, leaving behind his civil partner Scott Nelson.

Christopher’s funeral at Gilroes Cemetery was attended by more than 200 people including staff and students from the college.

Scott said: “He absolutely loved animals – they were one of his biggest passions. We had so many pets – those he rescued and others he just couldn’t say no to, from cats and dogs, to rabbits and chickens.

“He’d always loved animals from a young boy and that’s why we made donations from Chris’ funeral to the Dogs Trust – it’s what he would have wanted.”

The couple, who lived together in Thurmaston and were in a civil partnership, had been together for 10 years.

Scott said: “Chris had a big personality and really enjoyed working with young people in his job. He was very bubbly and a bit of a prankster and a wind up merchant, but he was also very loving and caring and is greatly missed.

“One of his other passions was shopping and he loved to indulge himself on clothes and jewellery.”

Former work colleagues of Christopher have also raised funds to go to the Dogs Trust in memory of Christopher, including staff fromDJ’s Groom Room & Sandra May’s Hair Studio in Cank Street.

Staff at Leicester College also held a Christmas fair yesterday (Dec 4) to raise funds for the trust.

Lisa Jacobs, who was Chris’ manager at the college, said: “

“Chris used to buzz around the salons looking after his students and worked with a number of employers and was well respected by all.

“He was an inspirational lecturer, tutor, friend, hairdresser and colleague to all of us at Leicester College, respected and valued – no-one will be able to fill the huge gap he leaves, he is missed so much.”

Lisa Newell, who worked alongside Christopher added: “Chris was always keen to lift the spirits of his colleagues, and did so despite whatever he was going through at the time.

He started each day with a comment or question designed to put everyone at ease. His jokes and remarks helped us put the challenges of the day into perspective and feel united as a team.

“The staff room feels like a lonely place without him. He is sorely missed.”