The family of a 59-year-old Worcestershire teacher who died when a coach carrying schoolchildren home from a ski trip crashed in northern France said tonight they were "devastated" by their loss.

Peter Rippington was killed and four others seriously injured when the bus flipped over and came to rest at the bottom of an embankment near the city of Reims in the Champagne-Ardenne region at 2.30am today.

Mr Rippington's wife Sharon was also injured in the crash, which involved 29 pupils from Alvechurch Middle School, near Redditch.

A statement from the Rippington family said: "We, as a family, are devastated at the tragic loss of Peter, a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and teacher.

"We are still extremely concerned about the health of his wife, Sharon, who was injured and is still recovering in hospital in France.

"Sharon is accompanied by her daughter Amy, who escaped the incident with minor injuries.”

Twenty seven people were taken to hospital following the crash, with 22 of those said to have minor injuries. Last night it was not known how many of the seriously injured were children.

Tour operator Interski Snowsport School said there were 21 adults on the coach when it crashed on the A26 at Chalons-en-Champagne.

There were two drivers on board, along with six Interski instructors and 13 adults belonging to the school party.

Mr Rippington was described as a "one of a kind teacher" by his pupils who gathered outside the school this afternoon.

And Superintendent Steve Cullen of West Mercia Police, said: "I want to offer reassurance to local people that we are doing all we can to help and support all the children."

Councillor Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, added: "Our thoughts are with those involved and their families."

They said the school would open tomorrow to offer pupils help and support.

Interski said in a statement it was "saddened and distressed” by the crash.

"Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and friends, to whom we offer our sincere condolences,” it read.

"We also extend our sympathy to the four seriously injured passengers, to 22 passengers with minor injuries and to all others involved in this tragic incident."

It said a following coach stopped and helped rescue people from the wreckage of the crashed vehicle and alerted the emergency services.

Casualties were taken to two local hospitals while those who escaped injury were cared for by the French Red Cross at a sports complex until a rescue vehicle could be dispatched from the UK to bring them home.

The bus was owned by Solus Coaches, based in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

A spokesman for the company said it was liaising closely with Interski and the Foreign Office.

Initial tests on the driver, who received minor injuries, showed he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the BBC.

Local police are said to be investigating whether he might have fallen asleep at the wheel.

A bouquet was left outside the school while pupils left an apple with a tribute attached.

It read: "You will be truly missed. You were a one of a kind teacher and you can never be replaced. You were funny and kind and always made everyone's day.

"We will love and miss you forever and always."

A female pupil told Sky News: "He was an amazing teacher. You could talk to him about anything."

The Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge said tonighthe was shocked to hear of the tragedy.

"My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been bereaved, those who have been injured and their families, and all at Alvechurch School, as are the prayers of many people in the diocese of Worcester,” he said.

The Foreign Office (FCO) is investigating the incident.