A FORMER deputy head at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, has died aged 66.

Eric Whittle taught at QEGS for 37 years before he retired in 1996.

He joined the school in 1959 as a master in the junior school after completing his National Service with the Royal Artillery and teaching in Yorkshire.

When he moved to the senior school he taught General Subjects, but specialised in English and History. He also had a keen interest in the Arts.

In 1979 Mr Whittle was appointed careers master, and in 1984 he became vice-master -- the school's deputy head. Ten years later he was acting headmaster for 12 months when the former headmaster, Philip Johnson, left.

When he retired, Mr Whittle was made an honorary life member of the Former Pupils' Association in recognition of his service to the school.

A Prestonian, he was chairman of South Ribble magistrates.

Mr Whittle is survived by his widow, Joan, and and son and daughter. He died on Sunday.