A POPULAR headteacher from Frinton has died after a year-long battle with lung cancer.

William David Martland, known as David by his friends and family, died on March 18 aged 72.

A dedicated educator, Mr Martland was a well known face in schools around the area.

He started his career teaching at Great Clacton Primary School and North Primary in Colchester, before becoming deputy head at Kirby Primary School.

Eventually he moved on to become a headteacher, taking charge at Wix Primary School and then Hazelmere Junior School in Colchester.

Widow Hilary Martland said: “He was an excellent teacher and that was always his passion.

“At every school he was at the children and parents loved him to bits. He was amazing at what he did.

“But he was also a family man and will always be loved by those who knew him."

A full tribute appears in this week's Clacton, Frinton & Walton Gazette.