A FORMER headteacher of a primary school in Yate has passed away in hospital.

Mr Vic Heathfield was the headmaster at St Mary's School in Yate for nearly 30 years, running the school from 1963 until his retirement in 1989.

Born in Gloucester in 1928 he and his family, with wife Betty, moved to Elm Grove Drive in Yate.

In those days it was expected that a headteacher would live within sight of the school, hence the move so close to St Mary's.

He has been described as a 'one-off character', who carried out his duties in a very caring and inclusive manner to all his staff, teachers, lunchtime supervisors, classroom assistants, kitchen staff and road crossing wardens.

A friend has said that by nature he was a 'calm person with a clever wit and dry sense of humour.'

He proved very popular during his time in the small town and always remembered all students at the school and their parents.

After retiring shortly before the 90's, Vic and his wife Betty continued to reside in Yate.

They remained local until 2012 when they moved to Stockport to be nearer to their daughter Sally and other family.

A number of residents in Yate may remember Mr Heathfield from seeing him walking along Church Road each morning.

He could often be seen walking down the road towards the school with his pipe lit and a large smile on his face.

A family friend said: "He was highly respected within the area and his school was recognised as one of the best in the locality.

"Together with the then Rector of St Mary’s Church he played an influential part in the purchasing of the land on which the present school stands.

"To all who knew him, Mr Heathfield was a father figure and their lasting memories will be of his many and varied whole school assemblies, he was a gifted story teller.

"Many have fond memories of a man who touched the hearts of many in the area."