A former Witney school headmaster has died, aged 72.

Barrie Rodgers took charge of Queen's Dyke Primary School when it opened in 1970 and remained until he retired 17 years later.

Mr Rodgers was born in Sheffield and trained at Culham College, Abingdon, where he met his wife, Anne.

He taught at primary schools in East Hendred, Harwell and Ipsden, near Wallingford, then Queen's Dyke. Chairman of governors David Stew said: "He was a very successful head and it was a very happy school. He got it off to a flying start and he will be remembered with great affection."

Mr Rodgers, of Brize Norton Road, Minster Lovell, was a churchwarden at St Kenelm's and a founder member of the history society.

After retiring, he taught part-time at Combe Primary.

He leaves a widow, two children and two grandchildren. The funeral is at St Kenelm's today at 2pm.