TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a former teacher who rose to become director of one of the region's largest education authorities.

John Williams, who retired as head of education and community services in Sunderland last year, died at his home in Durham, last Friday, aged 55.

A funeral service is taking place at Durham Cathedral this Friday, at 2pm.

Born and brought up in Barrow, now in Cumbria, he went to Sheffield University and began his working life teaching in Lancashire. He also worked in North Yorkshire, Wiltshire, and the Isle of Wight, where he became education director in 1990.

Dr Williams became the first head of Sunderland's new education and community services department in 1995.

City council chief executive Colin Sinclair said: "His reputation was highlighted by his achievement in bringing together the country's major figures for the North of England education conference, in 1999."

City council leader Bob Symonds said despite the pressures of the job Dr Williams, always had time for the individual and was a reassuring figurehead and calming influence.

He was involved in various organisations including The National Trust and Amnesty International and became a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts in 1989. He leaves a wife, Helen and son, Matthew.