COLLEAGUES yesterday paid tribute to a respected teacher who died following a long illness.

Richard Browning, known as Rick, died in hospital on Friday, aged 59, after a battle against multiple sclerosis.

His teaching career was spent in three of Sunderland's biggest schools. He started as a geography teacher at Bede School, then was promoted to head of geography at Southmoor School, where he became head of sixth form.

At his most recent school, Monkwearmouth, he was deputy headteacher.

Because of the severity of his illness, he retired in 1995, but insisted his retirement be delayed a short while so he could support friends and colleagues through an Ofsted inspection.

Former Monkwearmouth School headteacher Jim Farnie said: "This is a very sad loss for Rick's family and for all his friends and colleagues in education.

"He will be warmly remembered, particularly by pupils who benefited from his care and skill as a teacher.

"We will miss him hugely and our sympathy goes to his family."

Mr Browning's wife, Wendy, also taught in Sunderland. They have a son, Nicky, who is 17.

His funeral will take place in East Boldon Methodist Church at 1.45pm on Monday.