A POPULAR headteacher who spent more than two decades teaching at a village school has died after a battle against cancer.

Lee Wyatt, headteacher at St John’s Primary School, Cliviger, for 19 years, died on Friday while on holiday in Wales.

Mr Wyatt, 57, of Brownside Road, Worsthorne, had gone to Pembrokeshire for a break with his wife, Sandra, and children Andrew and Richard, after finding out his illness was terminal.

He had refused to go into a hospice and, instead, decided to go away with his family.

He died with his family by his side at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest.

Mr Wyatt had been a teacher at St John’s for 25 years and his deputy said he had “touched the hearts” of many people connected to the school.

Gill O’Connor, now acting headteacher at the school, said: “Under his leadership the school has grown and developed into the thriving primary school it is today and, over the years, his professionalism and dedication to teaching have never wavered.

“The many people he has worked with have valued him both as a colleague and a friend.

“He has influenced the lives and touched the hearts of many and he will be sadly missed.”

Mr Wyatt’s funeral will be held at St John the Evangelist Church, Worsthorne, at a date to be arranged, with family flowers only.

Donations can be sent to Cancer Research, via the Alderson and Horan Funeral Home, in Rossendale Road, or by calling the funeral home on 01282 427483.