TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a former west Wiltshire headteacher who died on Saturday.

Nigel Gilhespy, 59, who retired from Matravers School in Westbury last year after 19 years at the helm, has been remembered as a wonderful man who influenced generations of students in the town. He was taken ill with a brain tumour while marking exam papers in Singapore and died at Westminster Memorial Hospital, in his home town of Shaftesbury, with his wife Elaine and two children, Tanya and Jonathan, by his side.

Matravers School's head's secretary Annie Burton, who worked with Mr Gilhespy for 17 years, said the whole school had been saddened by the news. "Every person aged between 13-36 has to thank him for what he did for Westbury," she said. "He was ambitious and wanted everything for the students. He was totally committed to the school and its students."

She said Mr Gilhespy's wife was very much in the school's thoughts as she had always supported her husband in school events.

The couple had planned to spend their retirement travelling and had a list of exotic places they would like to visit. They had planned a visit to Australia in the New Year.

The school has planned special assemblies and has also opened a book of condolence while students have been giving personal tributes to a man they regarded as a friend, inspiration and role model.

Sixth former Rowan Frayling said: "Nigel Gilhespy was not only a brilliant headteacher, he was also a friend to everyone. He was totally committed to the success of Matravers. Despite having over 1,000 students he seemed to know each and every one individually."

Francesca Bolwer added: "His sense of humour and friendliness will always be remembered."

Town councillors have also been paying tribute to the former headteacher.

Cllr John Clegg, who was a governor at the school for six years, said: "I don't think any single person has ever made such a big contribution to this town as him. He was wonderful. His students were everything to him."

Deputy mayor Charlie Finbow, whose two children went to Matravers, said: "I'd like to see a local memorial service in the future for Nigel. It would have to be in the school as I don't think any of the churches would be able to hold the number of people who would want to pay tribute to him."

Mr Gilhespy became headteacher of Matravers in 1986 and during his time at the school saw the amount of pupils rise to more than 1,000, introduced a sixth form and gained Arts College status.

After retiring he became involved with the National Children's Home, the National Trust and the Salisbury Diocesan Educational Board.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday at Bell Street United Church, Shaftesbury, at 11.15am and will be followed by a private cremation.