A head-teacher who compassionately dealt with the aftermath of the death of two of his pupils in a tragic coach crash, has died aged 55.

David Clough, who suffered a stroke in March, was headteacher at Glusburn Primary School for 11 years.

He was recovering and had visited the school on Wednesday last week to join children in their Christmas lunch.

In May 1994 he helped grieving children after eight year-old pupils Andrew Lyle and Richard Olsson, members of 1st Kildwick and Farnhill Cub Scout pack, died in a mini-bus crash when returning from a Scouting activities weekend.

Cub leader Anthony Milburn, of Keighley, 42, a passenger in the mini-bus, was also killed and three other boys injured when it collided with a bus carrying army cadets.

Mr Clough helped comfort the children at the school where he started his education as an infant in 1949.

Acting head-teacher, Val Ashdown says: ''David saw Glusburn school as a focal point in the community and saw it as his role to support families through difficult and stressful times.

"He was a good friend to many children, their families and staff.

"Staff will remember him for his lively sense of humour and his unfailing support at all times.''

Mr Clough was at the forefront of using information technology at school and he worked closely with Leeds University and other local schools to promote IT.

He developed community and business links and set up the Friends of Glusburn School and cultivated contact with other schools in the district and abroad, she said.

His funeral was at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, yesterday. The school closed in the afternoon as a mark of respect.

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