TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Bolton teacher described as a “friend of everyone.”

Ian Stevens, who taught at Farnworth Grammar School, died at the age of 81 at the Old Vicarage Residential Home in Astley Bridge.

Mr Stevens was very well known and a popular member of St Paul’s Church, where he would often play the organ.

Gordon Butler, a friend and a parishioner of the church, said: “He was a friend of everybody.

“He liked to walk, stopping to talk to people, especially those who were walking dogs.

“He was very much a respected and complete gentleman.

“His funeral service was very well attended and I’m not sure how many past pupils attended but there were some.”

Mr Stevens, a devout Christian, was from a mining community in Cumbria, where his father was a miner.

He excelled at academia to win a scholarship at Oxford and went on to teach English and religious education at Farnworth Grammar.

He settled in Astley Bridge.

Although never married, he would visit family in Scotland every year.

Mr Stevens’ other interests included music and he enjoyed playing the piano to entertain residents at the Old Vicarage residential home.

A post on St Paul’s Facebook page read: “It is with sadness that we announce the death of Ian Stevens who passed away at the Old Vicarage Residential Home.

“Ian was a much loved member of the church family and his death will be a loss to many of us.”

Tributes have also poured in from past pupils on social media sites – particularly on the Facebook page Growing up in Little Lever.

Julie Ratcliffe wrote: “One of the few teachers to inspire me.

“My love of literature is down to him.”

Anita Ramsden added: “What a fantastic teacher!

“He was a legend.

“RIP Mr Stevens, a teacher I will never forget x”

Sara Louise Griffiths said: “Whenever you look back at your school life his name is always mentioned.”

Mr Stevens’ funeral service took place at St Paul’s Church and was followed by committal at Overdale. Donations were made in memory of Mr Stevens to the church.