TEACHERS, pupils and friends will pay their respects to a man who touched thousands of lives as an inspirational teacher.

Peter Keegan, 51, died last Wednesday at his Wilpshire home leaving a wife and five daughters.

Tributes have flooded in for the head teacher who served communities in East Lancashire for 17 years.

His funeral will be held at noon on Thursday at St Alban's Roman Catholic Church in Larkhill, Blackburn.

St Augustine's RC High School, Billington, and St Alban's Primary School, Trinity Street, Blackburn, will close as a mark of respect.

Peter's first headship was at St Mary's, Langho. In the head teacher's office a poem still hangs about his mottos for life - take time to think, love, give, work and be friendly.

Head Fliss Watson said today: "Peter was a great family man, a respected headteacher and a good friend to so many people. Amidst the shock and disbelief of our own personal grief our hearts go out to his devastated wife and best friend Anne-Marie.

"Peter was everybody's friend. When you met him you couldn't help but like him. He had time for everyone and was a genuine nice guy. We must take comfort from the fact that so many young people have enjoyed such a very special teacher."

Peter then took-up headships at St Anne's and St Joseph's RC, Accrington, followed by St Alban's from 1998.

The deputy head at St Alban's, Allan Connor, said the teachers were in pieces. Pupils were allowed in to Peter's office on the day he died and made cards for him.