THE sound of bagpipes welcomed popular deputy headteacher Dave Clark into Richmond School car park for a final time.

The full school, standing in year group bubbles, as well as staff and sports teams, lined the edge of the car park to allow the funeral cortege to drive through, before making its way to St Mary's Church in the town.

Many staff members wore tartan scarves in honour of the Scottish-born deputy headteacher, who had been described as the "life and soul of the school."

The cars were followed by more than 50 cyclists from Richmond Cycling Club, of which Mr Clark was a member, who all walked their cycles behind the hearse and supporting cars.

Outside the school boundary, scores of emotional well-wishers looked on as the cortege made its way through the school grounds.

There was a supportive, community atmosphere – people of all ages including those who would have recently left school; to young families whose parents may have also been taught by Mr Clark; and other adults who will have known Mr Clark through his life in the Richmond community.

Mr Clark, the deputy head of Richmond School, died after being trampled by cows while out walking in fields near the town on the evening of September 21.

Head of Richmond School, Jenna Potter, paid tribute to Mr Clark who has been a popular member of staff at the school for more than 20-years.

Ms Potter said: "He was an enormous character, a brilliant school leader and simply a lovely man who enriched the life of everyone he came into contact with, just by being himself and doing what he did every day."

Mr Clark was appointed to Richmond School in 1997 as head of Key Stages 3 and 4 and teacher of PE.

Ms Potter said: "He was highly regarded by everyone he taught and families appreciated his firm but fair manner and the very high standards he expected of every student in the school."

Both Ms Potter and former Richmond headteacher, Ian Robertson, attended the small funeral for Mr Clark at St Mary's Church.

Richmond Cycling Club, of which Mr Clark was a long-standing and popular member, said: “It was with immense sadness that we learned that one of the club's most respected and long standing members, David Clark passed away due to a tragic accident.

"Our thoughts are with David's family and friends who must be devastated and within the club there is deep sadness and shock.”

The club added: “We wanted to have a club presence to show respect for the big man who has been a central part of the club for many years.”

The family of Mr Clark have set up a Just Giving page in his memory, to raise funds for the Great North Air Ambulance.

The page has already raised more than £4,500.

The family said: "We are totally devastated at the untimely passing of Dave, but are taking great comfort in hearing everyone’s kind words and funny memories of him. We are sure his legacy will live on in Richmond as well as further afield."

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daveclark2020

Richmond School has left its own tribute to Mr Clark here.