A WIDE circle of friends in the Wharfedale area were saddened by the death in December of William Michael (Bill) Barnes.

Mr Barnes had been ill for a short illness.

Having grown up in Burley-in-Wharfedale Bill, 52, was living in Kirby Muxloe, Leicestershire, where he had been head teacher of the local school before taking up a post as Senior Education Advisor/Inspector for Leicestershire.

Educated at Burley-in-Wharfedale C of E School, Ilkley Secondary Modern School and Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley, he then undertook teacher training at the City of Leicester Teacher Training College.

He later gained a degree through the Open University and took an MA degree at Leicester University.

Married for 26 years to his wife Sue, he also leaves a son Matthew and a daughter Sally.

Bill's father, William Bradley Barnes, formerly of Burley-in-Wharfedale, now lives in Addingham.

A funeral service was held in Leicestershire.

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