TRIBUTES have been paid to a long-serving teacher who was a talented rugby and cricket player.

Len Rowe, 71, died at his home in Western Hill, Durham City, on April 1 following a battle with cancer.

Mr Rowe taught English at Durham School, Ferryhill Comprehensive and Durham Johnston School. He was head of English at Ferryhill and then Durham Johnston until he retired in 1994.

He played centre for Durham City Rugby Club and opening batsman for Durham County.

He also played for Northampton Rugby Club and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, as well as representing Oxford University in both sports.

He also coached sport to children.

John Dunford, a former headteacher at Durham Johnston, said: “Len was a truly great teacher. He was an inspiration to his students.”

Present headteacher Carolyn Roberts said long-serving staff remembered him with great affection as a wonderful head of English and a respected colleague.

She said: “I first met Len when he was still involved with our Japanese exchange even after he retired.

“We are all very sad that he is gone.”

He married his partner, Margaret, in 1960. They have four sons – Alistair, 48, Duncan, 46, Michael, 44, and Mark, 42; and 11 grandchildren.

His funeral service was held last week.