THE funeral of a former Burnley headteacher will take place next Thursday.

David Clayton, 77, died last week after suffering a bleed on the brain in May, following a mini stroke towards the end of last year.

His funeral will take place at 2pm at Rivington Church, in Horrobin Lane, Rivington.

Mr Clayton rose through the ranks after joining Burnley Grammar School in 1965 as a history teacher.

He eventually became deputy head of pastoral care, before taking on the same role at Habergham High School when the grammar school merged with Burnley High School for Girls.

He then became headteacher for the final 17 years of his service at Habergham, before retiring in 2001.

Paying tribute to him on the Lancashire Telegraph website, one of his former pupils said: “Great headmaster, great man.

“Always had time for all of us at Habergham and especially for extra-curricular activities.”