THE former headteacher of a Welling primary school has died at the age of 85.

Frederick Reynolds, of Parkhill Road, Bexley, was headteacher at Westwood Primary School, now renamed Bishop Ridley, in Northumberland Avenue, from 1970 to 1984.

Mr Reynolds took up teaching after leaving the RAF, where he served as ground crew in Canada and Hong Kong during the Second World War.

He started his teaching career at Westwood School.

This was followed by several jobs, including launching two new schools as headteacher.

He then returned to Westwood as headteacher.

After his retirement he pursued a number of hobbies, including painting and poetry, and became chairman of the Woolwich and District Family History Society.

He died in Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, on October 20 after a long illness.

Mr Reynolds had been married to his 84-year-old wife Edna for 61 years.

She said: “He was the most devoted person. We had a lovely life together.”

Mr Reynolds also leaves a son and three granddaughters.

His funeral will take place at Eltham Crematorium at 2.45pm on November 4.

Friends and former colleagues are welcome and people can send flowers or donations to the Alzheimer’s Society.