TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular and well-loved teacher at Merley First School who died from a heart attack, aged 57.

The Church of Lady St Mary, Wareham, was filled to overflowing for a service of remembrance and thanksgiving for Paul Williams who taught at the school for 27 years.

Head teacher Sally Birley said: "Paul was an enthusiastic, popular and well-loved teacher at our school. He was involved in so many areas of school life and inspired children with his love of music and the wonderful stories he told in assemblies. He will be keenly missed by us all."

As well as his love of teaching, Mr Williams was also actively involved in community life in the Wareham area. He was a member of Arne Parish Council and chairman of Wareham Transport Action Group, playing an instrumental role in introducing the House Hopper bus.

He was involved in Christian Aid and Age Concern and parish organiser for the sponsored cycle ride in aid of the Dorset Historic Churches Association.

Mr Williams, who leaves a widow Ruth, two children and two granddaughters, had been the organist and churchwarden of St Nicholas, Arne which he attended regularly.

Family friend the Rev Margaret Mulraine said: "It was his Christian faith which underlay all of Paul's work and activities.

"He was a deeply committed Christian and always ready to help anyone, at any time and in any way. Paul will be remembered as a person who enriched the lives of others, a gentle man in every sense of the word, loving and loveable.

"He truly loved his neighbour as himself and would, humbly and unobtrusively, show this in every situation in which he found himself. He will be greatly missed."

First published: September 10