A SECONDARY teacher, who is described as having been at the heart of his school, has died at the age of 56.

Connor Geraghy, who taught English and latterly drama at Roundwood Park School (RPS) in Harpenden for the past 20 years, died of cancer.

Roundwood Park head Alan Henshall described Connor, who lived in Wheathampstead with his wife Rose and son Chris, as, “truly a one-off” with a wonderful sense of humour who frequently brightened up a student’s day with a smile and a joke.

He went on: “He was quite simply at the heart of RPS in the way in which he loved teaching, cared for his students, was a generous friend and, most importantly of all, walked through life with a broad smile on his face which was totally infectious.

“His work on the productions has been much admired over the years and we will always remember him directing whilst swigging from his bucket-sized mug of coffee!

“I know that parents and students alike will join me in hailing Connor as a true gentleman and an excellent teacher. We will miss him immeasurably.”

Mr Hensall said the family had asked that instead of flowers, donations were made to the district nursing team through RPS. The money would be used to buy them equipment to help other families as they had been helped over the last few months.