THE first headteacher of Leven Valley Primary School at Backbarrow has died at his home in Harrogate, aged 84.

Les Jones began his teaching career in Liverpool before moving to Barrow, where he taught at Risedale Secondary and South Newbarns Junior Schools.

It was in Barrow that he first became involved in taking groups of children on walking trips in the Lake District, either camping or youth hostelling.

In 1967 he was appointed head of Lindale School and three years later took on the position at Leven Valley.

The education authority had closed the small village schools at Haverthwaite, Colton, Finsthwaite, High Newton, Staveley and Cartmel Fell and sent the pupils to Leven Valley, so the ‘new’ school began amidst a great deal of controversy.

A colleague at the time, Jim Shepherd said: “He was such a dedicated teacher and headteacher and it was his leadership that ensured, together with the staff and managers, that the enlarged Leven Valley School became such a happy and successful school.

"I feel that the children who were taught and guided by Les over his career were so fortunate. It always amused me how by just the raising of one eyebrow he could convince anyone not concentrating, perhaps as well as he or she could, that they should immediately rectify the situation without Les having to say a word.”

One of his final acts as head, before retiring in 1985, was a sponsored cycle ride around Windermere to raise funds. He later cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise funds for Marie Curie and Save the Children.

"He was endlessly kind, thoughtful and generous to all he met," said daughter Elspeth.

From 1967 until his move to Harrogate in 2002 he was deeply involved in St Paul’s Church, Lindale, serving on the PCC, working as church warden and grass cutter extraordinaire.

Throughout his long and healthy retirement Mr Jones held great affection for all his former pupils, the community and colleagues at the school.

He remained committed to Lindale Church as a benefactor until his death. He was also a gifted linguist and enjoyed travelling to Norway, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand.

He had suffered from diabetes for many years and passed away on May 22.

His funeral is being held at Harrogate Crematorium today at 11am and his family have asked for any donations to be sent to Diabetes UK.

He is survived by his wife Pat, with whom he shared 61 years of happy marriage, children Elspeth and Peter, and grandchildren Joel, Tom, Max and Sophie.

The family is collating a book of memories and can be contacted by email at ej@elspethjones.com or by phone on 07712 676423.