TRIBUTES have been paid to an “inspiring” Kidderminster teacher who “made friends wherever he went.”

Les Carroll, who was a former deputy headteacher at Franche Middle School, died suddenly at the age of 78.

Mr Carroll was an only child and was born in Weston Super Mare. He moved to Worcestershire to train as a teacher at Shenstone College in Bromsgrove in 1963. His first teaching post was at Gannow Middle School in Rubery.

In 1976, the maths teacher moved to Kidderminster and became deputy headteacher of Franche Middle School where he became involved in many clubs and school trips.

After 12 years teaching in Franche he went back to Bromsgrove to become the headteacher of Parkside Middle School.

The late teacher, who lived on Comberton Road, played football, cricket, badminton, table tennis and later took up golf. He was a life member of Worcestershire County Cricket Club. He recently retired as president of the Stourport Bowls Club. An avid quizzer, Mr Carroll also competed in the Kidderminster quiz league.

Tony Powell, a close friend of Mr Carroll, has led tributes to the dedicated teacher, who died on January 3.

He said: “He’s led a full life and although he never married, he made friends wherever he went.

“He was welcome in many homes of parents, pupils and colleagues.

“He was approachable and always gave good advice. Parents still talk about his ability to motivate children.

“He will be sorely missed by all who knew him”.

Mary Davies, a friend of Mr Carroll for 50 years, said: “He was a very supportive and caring friend. He’s greatly missed”.

Her daughter Helen Park was taught by Mr Carroll in Kidderminster.

She said: “He was a very inspiring maths teacher. He was an amazing man.”

A funeral for Mr Carroll will be held at Wyre Forest Crematorium on Tuesday, February 28 at 1.30pm.