A WELL-KNOWN former Stourbridge primary school teacher has passed away at the age of 88.

John Prentis was a popular character at Gig Mill Primary School in Norton, which he taught at during the 1970s and 80s, and after retiring in his early 60s he played an active role in the community as a member of Kinver's Kinfayre Singers and as a driver and treasurer for Age Concern Stourbridge.

As well as Gig Mill, he also taught at Wall Heath's Church of the Ascension School for a time and what's now known as Ellowes Hall Sports College after graduating from teacher training college in Dudley.

He was, however, a late comer to the profession - having previously ran his own grocery stores in Old Hill and Lower Gornal. He also spent time working as a draughtsman for Cradley Heath firm Braithwaites and had a brief spell in the army where he learned to drive - in a tank.

Born in London, he moved during the war years to the Midlands where he met his wife Mary.

The couple, who went on to have two daughters, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, lived at Withymoor, Stourbridge, for about 30 years but Mr Prentis moved into a care home around two years ago after he started suffering from mild dementia.

Daughter Isobel Whitehouse said the couple were able to mark their diamond wedding anniversary in the summer with a party at Dunsley Hall Hotel, Kinver.

But after being diagnosed with stage five kidney disease - he died on January 1 at Chandos Lodge, Hagley, where he had been a resident for the last few months.

Isobel, this week, led tributes to her father whom she said "was always so helpful to so many people". She added: "He was well-liked and he'd always got a smile for everybody.

"He had a good life, he did a lot - he had so many hobbies."

Keen on drama, he was a member of Dudley Little Theatre in his younger years and he put in some memorable performances in school plays at Gig Mill.

He was also a gymnastics coach at the school.

In his spare time - he had a love of gardening and archaeology. He was also involved in Withymoor's Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

His grand-daughter Elizabeth Hudson said: "He was always keeping busy in his retirement. He was a true lifelong learner and teacher. He had a big heart too and would help anyone in need – a great friend, neighbour and always the first to volunteer.

"He was particularly passionate about wildlife, the environment and local history.

"He made the most of the life he had and played an important part in the lives of others too."

His funeral will be held on Friday January 23 at 12.20pm at Stourbridge Crematorium.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society or Dementia Friends via H. Porter and Sons funeral directors in South Road, Stourbridge.