TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a Whitefield teacher whose freak death has shocked pupils and colleagues.

Mr Dennis Meadows died of complications following a routine operation on an ankle he broke during a seaside visit.

Mr Meadows (47), a teacher at Whitefield County Primary School for 16 years, slipped on pebbles while walking his dog on a beach at Rhyl, North Wales.

The ankle was pinned by surgeons but his condition began to deteriorate shortly afterwards. A blood clot developed in his lung and he died of a heart attack on Sunday (Aug 1).

Mr Meadows had previously cheated death when he was stabbed by a knifeman in a pub near his Salford home three years ago. He had stepped in to help a woman who was being attacked. Mr Meadows hadn't been expected to survive his injuries.

The lifelong Manchester City supporter will be cremated in the team's colours at Blackley on Monday (Aug 9).

Friends and colleagues have been quick to pay tribute. Whitefield CP head teacher Ms Janet Greaves said: "The staff are absolutely devastated at Dennis's loss, we will miss his sense of humour and commitment to the school."

Mr Meadows ran a football team there and was known for his enthusiasm for history and geography. Staff will now commission a memorial trophy and a book of condolence.

Mr Meadows' brother John, deputy head at Radcliffe County Junior School, had been away on holiday in Jersey. He was alerted to the tragedy by police.

Bury Council chief education officer Harold Williams said: "Dennis will be badly missed. He demonstrated great courage and determination and always expressed his views with great clarity."

Family friend and union colleague Ms Karen Hopwood said: "Over many years he was selfless in giving up his own time to serve the teachers of the authority.

"Our condolences go out to his mother and brother and to his whole family."

Mr Meadows was a key figure in the Bury branch of the National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT). He served on the local executive committee.

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