TRIBUTES have been paid to the former head of Burnley Grammar School, Noel Bernard Stokes, who died in Wolverhampton on Sunday, aged 84.

He was head of the grammar school for 14 years from 1961 and, during that time, raised to new heights the performance and the local and national reputation of the school.

Mr Stokes was a mathematics scholar of Jesus College Oxford but was equally keen on academic and sporting achievements.

Burnley Grammar School became Habergham High School in 1981 and head teacher David Clayton said: "Mr Stokes was very well liked and will be very sadly missed.

"He appointed me a history teacher when he was head of a grammar school in Bolton and then, when he was head at Burnley Grammar, I became the senior history master and worked with him for 10 years.

"His energetic teaching of mathematics could be heard several classrooms away. His shouts from the touchline inspired, or intimidated, boys into winning matches they might otherwise have lost.

"He was well known and respected as a player at Burnley Cricket Club and as a figurehead at the Old Boys' Club, and at their meetings.

"He was a staunch supporter of Burnley Football Club, with a season-ticket in the Bob Lord stand.

"Many families in Burnley remain in his debt for the opportunities his leadership opened."

Mr Clayton said he hoped to be able to attend the funeral, which will be in Wolverhampton, and said the school would be represented.