TRIBUTES have been paid to a former headmaster who died suddenly at home.

An event was being held today to celebrate the life of grandfather-of-five Cyril Burke, 68, of Glencoe Avenue, Hoddlesden.

His funeral was due to be held today at St Peter's Church and Pleasington Crematorium, before his relatives and friends made their way to Hoddlesden Conservative Club for a celebration of his life.

Mr Burke began teaching in Birmingham almost 50 years ago, moving to St John's Primary in Darwen now renamed St Peter's in 1967 to become one of the country's youngest headteachers.

He then moved to Holy Trinity Primary where he was headteacher for 13 years before he took early retirement in 1994.

Mr Burke was one of the original trustees of the Carus Centre, which was given to Hoddlesden village for community use by the wealthy Carus family.

He had also served as secretary of the Hoddlesden Conservative Club, was a member of Darwen Lions and a member of Darwen Cricket Club.

His son Martin, who lives in Darwen, said: "It was very sudden. He suffered a heart attack but we were not aware of him previously having any heart problems.

"He was very well-known and people will remember him for various things.

"He started teaching in the late 1950s in Birmingham before moving to Corby when my brother and I were born. We then all moved to Darwen when he became headteacher at St John's, which was renamed St Peter's after he left."

East Rural ward councillor Fred Slater paid tribute to Mr Burke who he described as "well-known and popular."

He said: "It seemed quite sudden. The Conservative club secretary rang to let me know and I couldn't believe it. He was one of the trustees of the Carus Centre and it was only on July 1 that I took him round the centre to show him the refurbishment.

"He was very impressed by the work that had been done.

"Cyril actually taught my two sons. He was a well-known person and it is very sad. He will be remembered for the work he has done for the village."

Mr Burke had another son, Paul, who lives in Darwen, and one daughter Nicola, of Blackburn. He also had five grandchildren, Daniel, Niall, Callum, Billie and Zac.

His funeral was due to be led by the Rev Andrew Holliday and former St Peter's rector Paul Battersby.