TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a "greatly loved" former headteacher who spent his whole career at the same Preston school he attended as a boy.

Jack Sharples, 79, who was head of the then St Matthew's CofE Junior School, New Hall Lane, until his retirement ten years ago, died on Wednesday, February 18, after a short battle with cancer.

Throughout his 34-year teaching career, Mr Sharples was renowned for his strong leadership skills.

His 'old school' style won him huge respect from pupils, parents and fellow teachers at St Matthew's -- now a primary and high school under the same name -- which he joined as a teacher in 1950 until becoming deputy head ten years later and head in 1967.

"When Jack worked at the school it wasn't just a job to him, he was a real friend to everyone," said Canon Derek Walkden of St Matthew's Church, New Hall Lane.

"He had such a positive impact on hundreds of children from the school and was greatly loved."

Born in Preston in 1924, Mr Sharples attended St Matthew's as a child and was a pupil at Preston Grammar School before joining the Merchant Navy. By the age of 20 he was a radio operator in the First Brigade of the Commandos and took part in the D-Day landings in 1944 and the crossing of the Rhine in 1945 during the Second World War.

At the end of the war Mr Sharples embarked on a teacher training course at the former Bamber Bridge College and was delighted to take up a teaching post at his former primary school.

Living in the same street as the school, he devoted his life to the community and was well known for his love of motorbikes.

In retirement Mr Sharples, who never married and had no children, enjoyed playing golf, studying Italian and travelling abroad. He was also a church warden.

A funeral service for Mr Sharples will be held on Thursday (February 26) at St Matthew's CofE Church followed by committal at Preston Crematorium.