A former York primary school teacher has died aged 86.

Herbert Glandfield Sherriff, the former head teacher of New Earswick Primary School, died at his home in New Earswick on December 10.

Today his family and former colleagues paid tribute to a quiet and unassuming man, but one who could be relied on for anything.

His daughter, Alison Windle, told how her father had been left disabled after the plane he was piloting during the Second World War was brought down over Scotland.

After the war, he pursued a career in teaching and worked for a time in Chile in South America, as well as Surrey before moving to New Earswick in 1965 with his wife, Audrey. He retired as head teacher in 1986.

Mrs Windle said: “He was the most remarkable man. He had a great sense of fun and loyalty and a great sense of independence.

“He will leave a big gap in all our lives.”

Throughout his career, Mr Sherriff was also an active member of the National Union of Teachers, where he rose to branch secretary of the Easingwold association.

Former union colleague Margaret John, said: “I owe a great deal to Bert; he showed me the ways of the union.

“He was very quiet and unassuming and not pushy but a very strong union member. You could always rely on Bert.”

Carole Farrar, the current head teacher at New Earswick, said her predecessor was still well-known at the school despite retiring more almost a-quarter-of-century ago.

She described him as “an innovator” and said the school had recently unearthed plans which he had worked on in the 1970s to extend and develop the school. Though the plans reached an advance stage, they ultimately failed due to a lack of Government funding.

She said: “Quite a few members of staff here who came to the school as children say they have such fond memories of him.

“He was part of the school family.”

He leaves children Andrew, Alison, Ana Maria, James and Amanda and grandchildren Andrew, Patrick, Elena, Emma Zoe, Jack, Ben and Laura.

There will be a service of thanksgiving at 2.30pm at New Earswick Folk Hall, on Friday, January 29.