Richard Barson, one of Sheppey's longest-serving headteachers, has died. He was 80.

For 20 years he ran the Sheppey School, known as 'the Comp', after taking over from Cyril Poster in 1977. At the time, it was one of the biggest comprehensives in Kent.

He retired in 1999 after converting it into Minster College but within a year he was back at his desk as headteacher of the private Elliott Park Independent School in Marina Drive, Minster, until he retired, for good, in 2016.

Throughout his time on Sheppey he worked tirelessly with charities and voluntary groups including the Swale Youth Development Fund and Sheppey Rugby Club, where he was chairman and later president.

He chaired the Kent Headteachers’ Association, the Federation of Sheppey Schools and the Sheppey Miniature Engineering and Model Society.

As a result, he was invited to one of the Queen’s garden parties at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his commitment to education and community.

His daughter Philippa Watkins said: "His whole ethos was to put children first. He helped thousands achieve their dreams thanks to his ability and emphasis on learning. He also excelled in his desire to bring school and community together.

"His unabashed resilience, his push, dash and flair to carry through his aims and targets impressed all who knew him."

Colleagues described him as an "astute and skilful" leader as well as being caring and an “impressive and passionate” speaker.

Mr Barson was born in Abergavenny, Wales, on February 2, 1938, and began his teaching career in Broadstairs.

His first promotion was to head of modern languages at Hanley Castle, Worcestershire. After five years he became deputy head of the Chase School, Enfield, before winning his first headship at Abbotsford in Ashford, Middlesex.

His second headship took him to Sheppey where he lived in Nelson Avenue, Minster. His hobbies included rugby and music.

He died peacefully at his home in Hartlip on Tuesday, January 15, after three years battling prostate cancer.

Mr Barson leaves a widow, Margaret, three children Tim, Philippa and Jonathan and four grandchildren, James, Jessica, Cerys and Maya.

A family-only funeral will be held at the Garden of England cemetery, Bobbing, on Tuesday morning, February 5. A celebration of his life will follow at Minster Abbey at 2pm in the afternoon.

Former colleagues and pupils are welcome to attend.