A former headmaster of Pewsey Vale School has died, and former pupils have paid tribute to him.

Mr Trayhern, from Easton Royal, died on August 15 at the age of 79 after a six-year long battle with cancer.

Born on October 22, 1935, Mr Trayhern was brought up in Birmingham, as the only child of a grocer.

In his youth he worked in the shop and as a delivery boy, acquiring the skill of dealing with customers and this continued to show in later years.

His parents were very keen that he should succeed in life and encouraged his love of reading.

After spending his primary years in local state schools he passed the examination for and was accepted at King Edward’s School, Edgbaston.

From there he went on to University College, Oxford to read Modern History.

His studies were interrupted by National Service and he was posted to the Argyle and Southern Highlanders in Berlin, serving in the Education Department.

Here he discovered the joy of teaching and after gaining an honours degree he began a career in education.

His widow Wendy Trayhern said: “He was convinced that comprehensive state schooling was the best way to give every pupil the opportunity to develop to their full potential and dedicated his working life to it.”

After serving in various secondary and grammar schools, Mr Trayhern moved to Easton Royal and was appointed headmaster at Pewsey Vale Secondary Modern School, from 1974–1984.

He worked enthusiastically with staff and parents to make it a success and even drove the school bus.

Many former pupils still remember him as strict but fair and they have commented that he was a good teacher and that they were lucky to have him as a head.

After 10 years John moved on to a larger school in Yate in 1984, which he made a success of.

He took early retirement in 1990, but continued to be involved with children whenever possible.

He helped nurse his first wife, also a teacher, who died after a short illness in 1996.

Over the last 20 years he kept himself busy, involving himself in village affairs, cooking and supporting Aston Villa.

Several local clubs were lucky enough to have him as a member, including an Oxford University Alumni Group, University of the Third Age (U3A) and a history society.

His love and knowledge of history and the arts continued until the end of his days and he enjoyed visits to galleries and churches, going to concerts, the theatre and travelling widely.

He married retired head teacher Wendy in March of this year at a private ceremony in Salisbury.

The funeral was held at West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington on August 27 and his wife would like to thank all who sent messages of condolence.

Mrs Trayhern said: “He will be sadly missed and will always be remembered as a true gentleman, compassionate friend and devoted husband.”

Anyone wishing to leave donations in his memory is being asked to give to the charities Marie Curie Cancer Care or Prostate Cancer UK.