TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teacher who worked at a Hampshire school for more than 40 years.

David Jones, who has died aged 70 after a long illness, joined The Arnewood School in New Milton as a history tutor in 1972 and became assistant head teacher.

He retired in 2007 but stayed on at the school as an exams officer.

In 1997 he was joined at Arnewood by his wife Claire, a fellow teacher, who worked at the school until 2000.

Their son Richard was a student there in the 1980s.

Executive head teacher Chris Hummerstone said: “David had been a very loyal and dedicated colleague at Arnewood for over 40 years.

“He was hugely admired and respected by generations of students, staff and parents as well as many other people who have been associated with the school over the years.

“David was that rare combination, a gentle man and a gentleman, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family.”

Cllr Goff Beck, a governor at Arnewood, said: “Working at the same school for more than 40 years demonstrated an outstanding dedication to his job.”

Mr Jones lived in Bournemouth and his funeral will be held at the town’s crematorium next Wednesday, March 18, at 10.30am.