Tributes to 'dedicated and caring' former teacher

Tim Browning taught at Wolverhampton Grammar School for more than 35 years

Tributes have been paid to a "dedicated and caring" former teacher, who worked at a Wolverhampton school for more than 35 years.

Tim Browning, 73, died on Sunday after a short illness with cancer.

Mr Browning worked at Wolverhampton Grammar School as a games and geography teacher from April 1979 until July 2014, and was described as a "cherished member" of the community.

Headteacher Nic Anderson said Mr Browning was: " the epitome of professionalism and commitment" and "gave so much to our community over the decades". He added that his legacy was "profound" and he was a "true legend of the school".

"His long tenure made him one of the school's most dedicated and longest-serving staff members," Mr Anderson said.

In a tribute the school said Mr Browning was "instrumental" in developing sport at the school, he coached "countless" football and cricket teams, and accompanied the "memorable" sports tour to South Africa in 2002.

Later in his career, Mr Browning became a "dedicated and caring" deputy head of sixth form, the tribute added.

The former games teacher also helped plot the route for the school's inaugural Coast2Coast running challenge in 1999 from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire.

A challenge that still takes place annually, 26 years later.

'Much-loved presence'

The school added: "A passionate sportsman, Tim had an incredible ability to turn his hand to any sport.

"One of his proudest achievements was fielding for the England cricket team, at Headingly, as a substitute in 1980.

"As a Yorkshire man from Leeds, a story he shared with great pride."

The tribute continued that Mr Browning remained to be a "familiar and much-loved presence" at the school's sporting events even after his retirement.

The former teacher leaves behind his wife Carolyn, son Richard and daughter Anna along with their respective families.