A POPULAR former headteacher has died in a hanging tragedy at his home.

The body of Mr John Abbott (51), was discovered suspended from a tree in the back garden of his home in Bury New Road, Breightmet, which he shared with his partner, Mrs Maureen Thompson.

Mr Abbott, a divorcee with one daughter, had been headteacher at Unsworth county primary school for 14 years before he took early retirement in August, 1997.

His death has stunned former colleagues at the school. Born in Bradford, Mr Abbott started his teaching career in Hulme in Manchester in 1968. Five years later he moved to Whitefield and worked for a further six years as a teacher at Ribble Drive CP School

Mr Abbott joined Parr Lane CP school in 1979, taking up the post of deputy head, before becoming headteacher in 1981. The school became Unsqworth CP two years later.

After retiring, Mr Abbott became a supply teacher and returned to his old school. Latterly, he was working for Bury education department's learning support services as a home tutor.

Chairman of the governors at Unsworth CP, Mr Sam Cohen, said: "Mr Abbott was a big asset to the school.

"I found him easy to work with. I was chairman of the governors with him for 13 years. He was a very nice man and I think the school was a credit to his dedication."

Mr Abbott's body was discovered last Wednesday by an off-duty policewoman.

An inquest into the death will open at Rochdale today, April 9, before being adjourned pending a full hearing at a later date.

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