THE wife of a respected 51-year-old teacher who died suddenly yesterday spoke of the tragic loss of a devoted family man.

Peter Keegan died in the early hours of Wednesday at his home in Durham Road, Wilpshire, Blackburn.

He had been a teacher in East Lancashire for 17 years, most recently at St Alban's RC Primary School, Trinity Street, Blackburn, since 1998. He had previously been head at St Anne's and St Joseph's Primary School, Sandy Lane, Accrington.

Wife Anne Marie, 49, paid tribute to his love of children and teaching and said: "His door was always open to everyone."

Shocked colleagues and friends also paid tribute to an "outstanding teacher" and keen golfer.

His daughters Laura, 23, a teacher in London, Anna, 20, Susan, 15, and twins Helen and Jane, 12, were today being comforted by family.

Anne Marie said: "He was known by so many people, so many parents and pupils. He never got cynical about teaching. He always had time for the staff and loved his job.

"People will know him for being someone to turn to for advice. He was planning a holiday to Barcelona for me next year for my 50th.

"He died in the early hours. We think it could have been some sort of stroke or a heart attack."

Mr Keegan had a strong Roman Catholic faith and was an active member of St Mary's RC Church in Langho and St Alban's Church, Blackburn.

Peter Morgan, director of education with Blackburn with Darwen Council, said today: "Peter was an outstanding teacher and headteacher. He had a real love for and commitment to children. He will be greatly missed by all his pupils, colleagues, families and friends both in the school and across the borough."

One Blackburn parent whose five-year-old son attends St Alban's was in tears. "He was such a wonderful man," she said. "He was so dedicated to the cause of the children."

Mr Keegan had also been a member of Wilpshire Golf Club for 16 years and was due to compete this weekend. President John Ditchfield said: "He loved playing golf and was an active competitor."