A FORMER headteacher who inspired countless Otley children has died.

Jim Vincent was head at The Whartons for 23 years before retiring in 2010.

Mr Vincent took charge at The Whartons in 1987 and helped it make the smooth transition from middle school to primary.

He also helped the school achieve two outstanding Ofsted reports.Two years before his retirement he was runner-up in the Yorkshire Primary Headteacher of the Year competition.

This week Otley and Yeadon councillor Colin Campbell, whose daughter was taught by Mr Vincent, paid tribute to him.

He said: “Many residents of all ages will like me be saddened to hear of the sudden death of a much loved former Head Teacher. Jim was an inspirational Head Teacher both to those who worked with him and the hundreds of local young people whose lives he touched.

“With Jim as your Head Teacher going to school was a pleasure, there was always something new, stimulating or just downright amazing. His warm and friendly approach put everyone at their ease, he always had time to listen to anyone who wanted to talk and his passion to provide the best education for everyone at the Whartons shone through.

“He will be sadly missed not just by his family but by the wider group of people whose lives he enriched.”

When Mr Vincent retired in 2010 the vice chairman of governors Maureen Mason said: “Jim’s arrival at the school coincided with the threat of school closures in Otley and staff morale was very low.

“It was the strength of his man-management skills that enabled the staff to grow in confidence and be ready for another momentous change, when the middle school system was abandoned and The Whartons became a primary.

“Jim led the change and the integration of new staff smoothly and efficiently, thus ensuring a cohesive, united staff who had complete faith in his leadership.

“Since that time he has led from the front but ensured that his democratic approach enabled all staff to feel important members of the school team.

“The result has been a school that under his leadership has gone from strength to strength, providing a broad, balanced and exciting curriculum, a wide variety of out-of-school experiences and a welcoming, inclusive environment for the children who have passed through the school.

“Jim is seen by the children as someone who is approachable, with a sense of humour. He is a good sport who will be in the thick of the action.”