Tributes have been paid to a former Bradford deputy head teacher who has died aged 93.

Frank Cotton retired from a life of teaching science 33 years ago but will be remembered by many who were pupils at Carlton Grammar School, close to the city centre, which went on to merge with Bolling Girls school, becoming Carlton Bolling School before it was rebuilt in Undercliffe.

Family and friends will pay their last respects at his funeral on Friday at Nab Wood Cemetery, where a collection will be taken in his memory for the Dementia Research Centre.

Mr Cotton, who was widowed 15 years ago, began with the onset of vascular dementia five years ago.

His daughter Helen Stewart said: “Dad was not as he used to be because of the dementia but in the last year he was quite happy, he just smiled at everyone.

“The worst part of it was the years when he realised what was happening. He missed mum – she was his rock.”

She added: “Dad had a wonderful sense of humour; he was hugely talented, very academic and brilliant with his hands.

“He was a caring dad and was well-loved. He was a pretty tough teacher for a small man and he made the kids quake, but he was much respected.”

Mr Cotton, who had lived at sheltered housing in Headrow Court, Thornton, before moving to Willow Bank Care home in Bell Dean for the last couple of years, enjoyed many pastimes, including landscaping his own garden, making furniture and wooden toys for his grandchildren.

He was also a keen golfer and a member of Thornton Bowling Club and Thornton Conservative Club.

He was born in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, and first came to Bradford shortly after the war.

He worked at Grange Grammar School before moving on to Carlton Grammar School for Boys, where he taught chemistry.

He took early retirement at the age of 60.

Mr Cotton leaves two daughters, Mrs Stewart who lives in Essex and Anne Cotton, who now lives in Canada.

He also has four grandchilden and three great-grandchildren.