A LONG-SERVING maths teacher at an Oswaldtwistle school has died.

Staff and students have paid tribute to Malcolm Hargreaves who started at Rhyddings Business and Enterprise School in 1981.

Mr Hargreaves, whose wife Susan and daughter Kathryn also work at the Howarth Street school, was known for his contribution to school musicals when he would play bass guitar.

The 62-year-old, who is also survived by son Peter, daughter-in-law Becca and grandson Noah, died from cancer.

Mr Hargreaves, from Bacup, retired in 2012 but continued to work as a supply teacher until recently.

Computer science and media teacher Dom Sanna said: “Not only was Malcolm my year eight maths teacher, but later a colleague, friend and bandmate at the many school shows we have performed in over the years.

“My first show with Malcolm was in 1999 when I was a student acting in a staff-penned jukebox musical ‘Rock n Roll Love Story’ and he was playing guitar in the staff band.

“Years later when I returned to Rhyddings to work, we played guitar and bass together as colleagues in school productions of Moulin Rouge, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia!, Rock of Ages and more.”

He said even after retiring Mr Hargreaves would help out with shows, learning all of the songs and assisting with transposing and writing out music.

“His patience, kind nature and dedication to both the school and its performing arts department will be greatly missed by us all,” Mr Sanna added.

Assistant headteacher Heidi Whelan said he was well liked by students and staff alike.

She said: “He was devoted to helping the students in his classes, form groups and in extra curricular activities."

“He was a train and plane enthusiast, reciting facts during his lessons, as many of his former students will fondly remember.

“As a member of our Rhyddings family he is greatly missed and our thoughts, prayers and support go out to his family and friends.”

Rhyddings will be closed to all students apart from year 11s on Tuesday to allow staff to attend the funeral.