AN "inspirational" former headteacher has died just a month after he was diagnosed with cancer.

Geoff Tennant, 63, who taught at Avondale County Primary School, Darwen, for 22 years, fell ill after returning from a trip to Canada.

His widow Liz said she was struggling to come to terms with his death.

Geoff, an avid traveller, was diagnosed with liver cancer just three years into his retirement.

The father-of-four and grandfather of four, who also has family in New Zealand where he grew up, died at home on August 23.

Liz said: "Geoff loved travelling. We travelled around the world 12 times. Geoff was born in Blackburn but moved to New Zealand when his parents emigrated.

"He also loved golf and model aircraft making. He was chairman of Barton Model Flying Club. I think I may keep one of his aircraft as a memento.

"Geoff was into his job, his family life and his hobbies. I don't know what I'll do now. I'm still in shock."

Mr Tennant, of Langshaw Drive, Clitheroe, retired in 2003 after a 38-year career. His other posts were at Pendle County Primary School, Edisford Primary, Clitheroe, and Hyndburn Park County Primary, Accrington.

His personal assistant at Avondale, Jennifer Pickup said: "Having worked closely with Mr Tennant for 22 years we developed an excellent, professional relationship, managing the school he was so proud of.

"He has certainly left his mark here. It was a sad occasion when Mr Tennant retired and even more sad now he has passed away.

"Personally, I feel I have not just lost an ex-colleague but also a close friend. All of us at Avondale feel a great sense of loss.

"Mr Tennant was a wonderful headteacher whom we all respected and admired. Someone we will never forget."

John Bentley, chairman of governors at Avondale, added: "The school motto learning, smiling & remembering' just sums Geoff up. He was an inspiration.

"He had such a loud voice. Sometimes I can still hear him down the corridors. He had such a presence."

After retirement Mr Tennant returned to present The Tennant Trophy which will continue to be presented in his memory to pupils' achievements.

A funeral and cremation will be held tomorrow at Accrington Crematorium at 11am. Flowers are welcome but donations are requested to cancer research.