A MUCH-LOVED former teacher has died after battling a brain tumour.

Peter Richardson, 69, sadly passed away last week.

The former deputy headteacher at Withins Comprehensive School was born in Hartlepool in 1950.

Peter met his wife, Christine, while he was studying for a degree in Metallurgy, the study of physical and chemical behaviour of metallic elements, at Manchester University.

The pair married in 1972, and moved to Australia where Peter started teaching Maths at Pembroke High School in Melbourne.

They returned to Bolton for Christmas two years later, and Peter was offered a job at Bolton County Grammar School.

Alongside his job as Maths teacher, Peter was also known as "Mr Pastoral" because of his strong links with both students and parents, offering a friendly face, encouragement and wise advice.

Peter retired as Deputy Head in 2007, returning to teaching Maths until 2012.

He filled his retirement with time with his family, gardening, and DIY.

Friend and former assistant headteacher, Michael Wright, said: “Several years ago a false rumour spread on Facebook that he had died – within the space of just a few hours there was an outpouring of grief from students past and present. Unfortunately this time it is for real."

"A smiling face, a relaxed manner that put others at ease and a sense of humour – this giant of a man will not be forgotten."

Peter’s funeral will be held at Walmsley Parish Church at 1.30pm on Monday, with attendees encouraged to share their memories of him at the Last Drop Village Hotel afterwards.