Former pupils at Matravers School, Westbury, were shocked and saddened to hear of the death last week of long-serving teacher Roger Simmonds. Roger taught religious education at the Westbury school for 18 years before returning to his native Budleigh Salterton in 1992. He worked as a supply teacher in and around Devon but often returned to Wiltshire to preach at chapels and churches in Westbury, Steeple Ashton, Winsley and Yarnbrook.

A keen cricketer and hockey player, Roger was still acting as an umpire in November.

He also loved the dramatic arts, something with which he was particularly involved at Matravers. In later years he reviewed productions for his local newspaper and performed with local groups. In January he played a downtrodden Sheriff of Nottingham in the Budleigh Buddies’ pantomime Robin Hood.

Mr Simmonds is remembered by former Matravers pupils as a kindly man who made a big impression on many of his pupils. Facebook tributes included one from Tina Brown describing him as a “huge character”, while David Hodkinson called him “a star of a teacher”. Some fondly recalled his Reliant Robin cars and rumours of them ending up in the stream running through the school grounds.

Former pupil Susan Bradley, nee Painter, said he had given her the confidence to seek a career in journalism. “He really encouraged me to go for it,” she said.

“They say you never forget a great teacher and many people in Wiltshire will be sad to hear that Roger has died.”

Louisa Davison, nee Snook, said his death was a real shock.

“Roger kept in touch from the time he taught me RE at Matravers School in the 1980s until now, still exchanging Christmas and birthday cards. He was very enthusiastic and supportive,” she said.

Details of his funeral are yet to be announced.