A KEEN Salvationist who died from cancer last week will be remembered at a funeral service today.

Tributes have been paid to former headteacher David Snell, 59, who lived with his wife, Joyce, in Redworth Road, Shildon.

Born in Bristol into a Salvation Army family, Mr Snell had lived in County Durham since 1966, when he arrived in Shildon to work at the primary school, staying with Mavis and George Dwyer.

At 18, he had been one of the first men to train at the previously all-female Neville's Cross College, in Durham.

He was appointed deputy headteacher at Willington Primary School and two years later became headteacher of Henknowle Primary School, in Bishop Auckland, now St Andrew's Primary School. Under Mr Snell's direction the school earned one of the first Investors in People awards.

Throughout his career, he was staunchly committed to the Salvation Army in Shildon, holding a range of posts from hall cleaner to flag bearer.

After his illness was diagnosed three years ago, he worked tirelessly for the corps, raising £1,155 last year, when he completed the Great North Run.

Mr Snell was also chairman of New Shildon Residents' Association, which he led through the introduction of a regeneration scheme and helped set up a community arcade.

Inspired by his battle for life, Mr Snell's son, Jeff, recently cycled around Britain to raise £3,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Mr and Mrs Snell also had a daughter, Miriam, and another son Nathaniel, son-in-law David and daughter-in-law Fiona.

A tribute from the family read: "He loved working with the young people and found this part of his work rewarding. He always gave his best to every task he was given."

Today's service will be held at 10am, in Shildon Salvation Army Centre, Cross Street.