TRIBUTES have been paid to a respected and much-loved North-East teacher who has died aged 56.

Martin Bennett had been teaching in County Durham since 1971 and for the past 13 years was headteacher of Woodham Burn Junior School, in Newton Aycliffe.

Mr Bennett, who died two weeks ago after a short illness, was described by parents of children he taught as "a gentle man and a gentleman".

Keith Mitchell, director of education at Durham County Council, said: "Martin was an influential member of our community of headteachers and will be sorely missed by his colleagues, both in schools and other education services.

"He was deeply committed to the welfare of the pupils in his charge and was always prepared to go over and above normal expectations to ensure their progress, happiness and well-being."

A father-of-two, Mr Bennett was also well-known in his home town of Lanchester, where he lived with his wife Maureen.

His interests included photography and painting and was a keen amateur naturalist - skills which he was able to use in the classroom. He also made and played guitars.

Neil Redhead, chairman of governors at Woodham Burn, said Mr Bennett was responsible for making the school a friendly and welcoming place.

He said: "Martin was dedicated to the school and everything connected to it and had an enthusiasm and commitment to achieve as much as he could."

Pat Henderson, headteacher of the neighbouring infant school, said his death had come as a shock to all who knew him and he would be a big loss to the school and the community.

She said: "He was just a lovely, lovely man, a delightful, compassionate, caring and thoughtful person."