A TEACHER who taught at a Kent school for more than 30 years has died suddenly after suffering a brain haemorrhage at the age of 62.

John Irvine was a former head of English at King’s School, Rochester.

Staff at the school have paid tribute, describing him as an outstanding teacher who was very much still part of the school, despite leaving in 1999. Mr Irvine taught there for 31 years.

Staff and pupils are planning a memorial service in Rochester Cathedral in the autumn term.

Mr Irvine and his wife Joan had been about to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.

He also leaves three stepsons Roland, 47, Julian, 45 and Lionel, 43.

Mr Irvine, of Goddings Drive, Borstal, fell ill on Friday, June 2, and died the following day at Medway Maritime Hospital, in Gillingham.

His funeral was held at Medway Crematorium on Friday.