GAZETTE & HERALD: TRIBUTES have been pouring in to Rowdeford School headteacher Glen Darnell after the announcement that he has resigned his post because of the stress-related illness he has suffered since September.

Mr Darnell took over as headteacher in April 1997 when the school was in "special measures" after it had failed its Ofsted inspection.

Under his leadership the school for children with special educational needs not only came out of special measures very quickly, but also recovered its financial position from being in deficit.

Subsequently, he worked closely with the local education authority and the school governors to develop and open the new Prospect Centre for

children with autistic spectrum disorder.

He was the leading light in organising the fire walk in the school grounds that drew more than 1,000 people and raised the bulk of the £40,000 match funding needed for a purpose-built sports centre for the school.

He also worked closely with governors to set up the Rowdeford Charity Trust, which has been raising money to create outdoor classrooms, nature walks and renovate the Victorian walled garden at the school.

He fell ill at the beginning of the autumn term, and governors hoped he would return before Christmas. Sadly, he has not recovered and they regretfully announced his resignation on Monday.

Rosie Berry, chairman of governors, said: "He will be much missed, both as a colleague and a friend and we wish him well for the future.

"We are indebted to him for the fact that Rowdeford School was recently declared by Ofsted to be a very effective school."

Ingrid Lancaster-Gaye will continue as acting head until a new permanent head is appointed.

Mrs Berry said: "We have to move very quickly on this. It is a process we have to start today.

"He is a very hard act to follow and I hope we find a worthy successor."

Parents of children at the school were upset at the news of his resignation. Caroline Robinson from

Melksham, whose son Christopher will be leaving Rowdeford at the end of the summer term, said: "It is really sad. We were hoping Mr Darnell would be back for the prize-giving. It is because of him that Christopher will be able to go on to do a GNVQ at Lackham College and hopefully go into a full-time job at the end of it.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble for Mr Darnell. If there was a problem he dealt with it.

"He never interrupted, he would sit there and listen. He loved the kids and knew every one of them. We are all going to miss him."

Robin Coleman, from Bromham, says that, had it not been for Mr Darnell, his relationship with his daughter Kim, now 20, would have deteriorated beyond repair.

He said: "Kim went to Rowdeford while it was still in special measures and I watched Mr Darnell put life and soul back into the place.

"My wife and I had a difficult relationship with our daughter and I can honestly say, if it wasn't for Mr Darnell, we would have lost her completely.

"He understands that parents need help as much as the children. We owe him so much."

Eileen Devonish, who was cajoled by Mr Darnell into becoming a parent governor and is continuing on the governing body although her son Lee has now left, said: "Lee had learning difficulties and could have had behaviour problems too if it had not been for the influence of Rowdeford School as run by Mr Darnell.

"Lee really blossomed at Rowdeford. The school is always welcoming to parents and Mr Darnell was always very personable.

"He absolutely sold me the place when we were looking for a school for Lee, but he fulfilled all that he promised."