FRIENDS and colleagues of a former teacher have paid tribute to his enthusiasm and dedication to his pupils.

Both past and present teachers at Teesdale Comprehensive School have spoken of their respect for former history teacher John Olaman, who died in Darlington Memorial Hospital in the early hours of January 10, following a short illness.

Mr Olaman, 72, of Teesdale Road, Startforth, near Barnard Castle, took up the post of head of history at Teesdale in 1966 and also served as head of humanities before his retirement in 1985.

Originally from Murton, County Durham, Mr Olaman went to Ryhope Grammar School, near Sunderland, before reading history at Christ-church College, Oxford.

He then taught in Felixstowe and Warrington before moving to Teesdale Comprehensive School.

Former chemistry teacher and neighbour Dave Mounter said: "John was a wonderful teacher and very intelligent. He really gave his pupils all the support he could and took time out to help them with their studies and his energy and enthusiasm really rubbed off on many of his pupils."

Shaughan Tighe, deputy headteacher at Teesdale Comprehensive School, who worked alongside Mr Olaman for many years, said: "He was a very dedicated professional and very generous with his time.

"He was a wonderfully intelligent and kind- hearted man. He cared greatly about the children.

"To him, education was not about numbers, it was about teaching the child to develop everything about themselves. He was great at getting the best out of his pupils."

Mr Olaman also served as chairman of the Durham branch of the National Trust for many years.

A funeral service will be held at Holy Trinity Church, in Startforth, at 2pm on Monday, followed by a private cremation. Donations in lieu of flowers can be given in church for church funds.