JOHN CARTER, an artist and teacher who enriched the lives of thousands, has died aged 76.

Mr Carter, who died on April 16 with his family nearby, was born in New Skelton, east Cleveland, on February 25, 1931.

Mr Carter was the eldest of three sons of a railway worker, who worked in the Pennines between Garsdale Head and Stainmore Pass.

He married Louisa in 1956 and they had two children, Angela, in 1959, and Paul, in 1961.

Educated at Guisborough Grammar School, he began his art training at Middlesbrough College of Art, then later at Edinburgh School of Art.

His art education was disrupted by two years' national service in the Royal Air Force.

He won a scholarship in France, before qualifying as an art teacher. He became head of the art department at Eston Grammar School, in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, where he remained until it closed in 1973.

He worked at the nearby South Park Sixth Form College until retirement in 1990.

For 40 years, he exhibited his work across the region.

His funeral service and requiem mass was held at Guisborough parish church on Monday.

He is survived by his wife and their children.