THE head of a Forest school has paid tribute to former governor Maurice Bent who, she said, was "instrumental" in making it as good as it is.

Mr Bent, who died aged 87 at the beginning of October, had a life-long association with Ruardean Woodside school, having been a former pupil.

The school is planning to plant an oak from an acorn in its grounds in honour of the Forest Verderer.

Headteacher Mel Davies said: "Mr Bent came to Woodside as a child, or The Slad as it was fondly known and so has been associated with the school for a long, long time.

’’He was a governor for many years and has been instrumental in making Woodside as good as it is.

"Mr Bent set up the Old Scholars’ Association and organised many fund-raising events, where past pupils could catch up with each other.

"Our children have benefited so much from their kind donations of funds towards our library.

"He was a keen author on local history and we have his books proudly displayed in school.

"Mr Bent was very proud of Woodside Primary and worked so hard on carpentry projects, such as the mud kitchen and sand pit in Dormice class.

’’He was frequently in during the holidays, with a paintbrush in hand, and we will miss him.

"We will be planting an oak tree (grown from an acorn from a school oak tree) in memory of Mr Bent and it would be lovely to be joined by parents, old scholars, governors, family and friends."

A funeral service will be held at St Paul’s Church, Parkend on Wednesday (October 20) followed by private burial at Ruardean Hill Baptist Church.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be shared between Woodside School and Great Oaks Hospice.

They can be made online at www.collierandbrain.co.uk