Teacher killed in accident

A Shropshire deputy headteacher has died following a three-car road crash.

Andrew Radford worked at St John the Baptist Primary School in Ruyton-XI-Towns. Staff and pupils from the school are devastated. Mr Radford, who was in his 30s and from Welshpool, died in hospital on Friday following the crash on the A483 Welshpool bypass, between the Flash Leisure Centre junction and Buttington Cross roundabout, on Thursday at 5.35pm.

Tributes were today paid to Mr Radford by colleagues, family members and friends, who described him as a "kind, gentle man".Sandra Weetman, school headteacher, said: "On behalf of everyone at the school, I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Andrew's family at this terrible time.

"We are all shocked and saddened by this tragic accident. Andrew was a kind, gentle man and a dedicated deputy headteacher.

"He had a talent and love of music through which our children benefited enormously.

"He will be fondly remembered and very sadly missed as a teacher, musician and a friend."

Liz Nicholson, director of children and young people's services at Shropshire County Council, the local education authority, said an advisor was now in place at the school to support staff and children.

She said: "Our thoughts are with Andrew's family and friends and we are doing all we can to support colleagues and pupils.

"The school's advisor was at the school on Friday morning, and we will continue to support everyone connected with the school throughout this very difficult time."

Councillor Ann Holloway, Welshpool mayor, said she came to know Mr Radford because of his teaching.

She said: "I used to speak to Mr Radford when passing in the street about teaching and he was a lovely man. It is very sad, especially at this time of the year. My thoughts are with his family."

The Reverend Bill Rowell, of St Mary's Church, Welshpool said: "This is a very sad loss and it has shaken the church community in the town.

"The family are very involved in the church and my thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time."

By Andrew Morris