AN esteemed secondary school teacher has died after he was struck by a car while cycling home.

David Jonathan Kerslake (44), of Hackney Close, Radcliffe, was in collision with a blue Toyota Corolla, driven by a 78-year-old man, in Crompton Way, Bolton, on Monday afternoon

The car had already ploughed into two parked vehicles before hitting the bicycle, and then cannoned into another car and a lamp-post.

The driver of the Toyota was treated for minor injuries in hospital. A police spokesman said he is to be questioned about the accident. It is understood the driver may have suffered a fit at the wheel. Mr Kerslake was the head of science at Sharples High School in Bolton, and was a former teacher at Broad Oak High and Derby High schools in Bury.

His wife Jacqueline (43) said: "He was a wonderful person who was devoted to his family and committed to the pupils at the school where he worked.

"He was a keen cyclist and also enjoyed rugby and fell walking. His death has come as a complete shock and we are all still trying to come to terms with the fact that he has gone from our lives for ever.

"He was a devoted husband and father to our three-year-old daughter, Lydia Niamh, and his loss is felt by the whole family and those who knew him."

Tributes have been paid by colleagues and friends at Sharples School.

Headteacher Kevin Clarke said: "Dave was an extremely popular member of staff and an excellent teacher. Everyone who worked with Dave thought the world of him and appreciated his great sense of humour.

"He had a great many friends at Sharples who will miss him. Obviously the children are all upset and the school is doing everything it can to support them at this sad time. Our thoughts are with Dave's wife and his daughter."

The school's chairman of governors, Mrs Hilary Fairclough, said: "He was an excellent member of staff, well liked by both the pupils and the staff.

"He worked very hard and put a lot of effort into his job. I always got the impression that he was a very devoted family man. He has left a huge hole in the school. The whole science department is devastated."

Mr Kerslake started teaching in 1984 at Broad Oak High School, before joining Derby High School in 1986. He joined Sharples School in 1999.