TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Southampton head teacher who has died of cancer.

David Martindale changed the fortunes of Bevois Town Primary and Mason Moor Primary schools before leaving the city due to ill health.

The father of five retired to his home in Salisbury two years ago but has died after a long battle against cancer.

Former colleague Harrie Atkinson, head teacher of Bevois Town Primary, said he turned the school around when he brought it out of special measures.

"He was an inspiration to everyone,"

she said.

"The staff and pupils loved him and he left a lasting impression.

He really cared for the school and worked very hard to turn it around and bring it out of special measures. He is very sadly missed by a lot of people and was also a popular member in the Head Teachers' Union."

Mrs Atkinson took over as head teacher from David five years ago when he moved to Mason Moor in Millbrook.

At the time Mason Moor was the only school in the city to be listed in a national league table of the 200 worst primary schools.

Within a year at the school he managed to again transform the fate of the staff and students and worked closely with parents of children to improve standards.

Southampton City Council's Head of School Standards Rosemary Tong praised the head teacher who was much loved and highly respected'.

"He took over the headship at Bevois Town, where he brought about a remarkable transformation in a school undergoing significant difficulties.

"Then he moved to Mason Moor, another school where there was a big job to do. Again, under his leadership the school showed rapid improvement in a short space of time."

Rosemary praised his commitment to the families in the city to provide the best education possible.

She added:"It is a great tribute to his lasting impact that both these schools have continued to grow from strength to strength, building on the foundations which he laid."

"He played an important part in supporting other heads in the city, and influenced many lives among the pupils, parents and professionals with whom he came into contact.

The profession has lost an outstanding teacher and head teacher."

A funeral service was held in Salisbury on Friday.