A much-admired former-headteacher of a Hampton Wick primary school has died aged 90.

Nigel Rowbotham was headteacher at St John the Baptist School between 1968 and 1985, and died on November 19.

He is survived by his wife, Joy, daughter Helen, sister Rosemary and two grandchildren, Josephine and Barnaby.

His daughter Helen Sadler, who attended St John’s while her father was at the helm, said: "He was gentle and kind and a dedicated teacher who inspired so many people.

"He made such a huge impact on hundreds of children’s lives."

Tributes from friends and former pupils were posted on Helen’s Facebook page.

She said: "One thing he did at St John’s was tell the children about a hole in the school grounds that led to the school’s treacle mine. He kept it going for years.

"One of the first posts after his death was from a former pupil, who said: ‘The treacle mine has closed. The old man has gone. Alas’, which I think is just beautiful."

A keen sportsman, Mr Rowbotham played football for Southern Universities in his younger days, and was given an honours award by for his services to sport in the community in Richmond.

His wife of 49 years, Joy, said: "I was such a lucky girl to have met him. There was 15 years between us but it never once felt like it."

Joy and Helen would love for anyone whose lives were touched by Mr Rowbotham to celebrate his life at a service at St Mary the Virgin, Church Street, Willingdon, Eastbourne, on December 4 at 12.30pm.