A GRAMMAR school has paid tribute to a long-serving former headmaster who has died at 96.

Gerald Hood led Clitheroe Royal Grammar School from 1956 until he retired in 1983.

He and his late wife Mollie lived in Clitheroe when he took the job but lived in Grindleton for several years before moving to Denbigh Drive in Clitheroe in retirement.

A spokesman for the school said: “We were deeply saddened to hear that Mr Gerald Hood, former headmaster of Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, has died.

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“Mr Hood was headmaster for 27 years from 1956 to 1983. Following his retirement, he kept in very close contact with the school and regularly attended events including our annual commemoration service and carol service. He was also an active member of the Clitheronians alumni association.

“Mr Hood will be greatly missed by our school community.”

Born in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, Mr Hood was a pupil at the grammar school there before going up to Oxford University, where he gained degrees in classics and English.

His time at university was interrupted by the Second World War, during which he served in the Far East as a captain in the Sherwood Foresters regiment.

His first teaching job, in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, was followed by a spell at his old school in Ashby.

Mr Hood’s son Brian said: “My father’s interests outside school included music, drama and history, and he was a member of a number of local clubs and societies. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Clitheroe for more than 50 years, and a past president.

“His membership of Rotary provided a focus for his many voluntary and charitable activities.”

Mr Hood is survived by his daughter Susan, son Brian, daughter-in-law Alison, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Cremation at Skipton last Thursday was followed by a thanksgiving service at St Ambrose’s Church in Grindleton. Mr Hood died peacefully on August 13.