A FORMER deputy headteacher from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Blackburn has died.

‘Charismatic’ French teacher Simon Turner died at home on New Year’s Day aged 53.

His family and QEGs staff paid tribute to a respected colleague and much-loved father.

Mr Turner joined the school in September 1991 and was appointed head of careers in 1995 before taking up the deputy headteacher role in 2000.

He was also a principal examiner for AS and A level French with exam board AQA.

Mr Turner left the Blackburn school in summer 2008, suffering from health problems.

He died after an illness.

His daughter Victoria Turner, of Edgworth, said: "We are trying to come to terms with this but we will miss his humour and his unusual take on life.

“He was a humorous man who liked a good discussion.

“He loved walking, had a real passion for World War I and loved music.

"He was into punk rock music and he liked Elvis Costello.”

Phil Lloyd, development director at QEGs, said: “The whole school community has been shocked and saddened to learn of Simon’s death.

“He was a respected and valued colleague during his long association with Queen Elizabeth’s, from 1991 to 2008.”

An obituary from the school described Mr Turner as ‘charismatic’, adding: “He contributed energetically to other key areas of school life of the school, including assessment and reporting, co-education and child protection.

"Less well known were his football refereeing, the French Film Club and his marathon walking tours around Paris.”

His funeral is on January 13 in St Anne’s Church, Turton, at 2pm.