One of the longest-serving teachers ever to have worked at Saltus Grammar School died at the weekend.

Francis (Stevo) Stephenson died at home in his native England after suffering heart problems for some time.

He had worked at Saltus since 1946 teaching a variety of subjects, but pupils would probably remember him best for his geography lessons.

When he retired in 1983, he had worked at the private school for 37 years.

And soon after, he returned to England with his wife Audrey, who was yearning to be back in her homeland.

Yesterday, the headteacher of the school Nigel Kermode and former staff paid their respects to the man who was known around the building as being firm but fair.

Mr. Kermode said: "He was possibly the longest-serving teacher we have ever had at the school.

"We are deeply saddened by his passing. He was a great character. He was perhaps sometimes feared, but also loved.

"The students held him in great affection. He was a disciplinarian, and his method nowadays would may be regarded as a little strict, but he was also very fair. He was a really delightful man.'' The students at Saltus have for some time held an annual Francis Stephenson Golf Tournament in honour of their former master.

Each of the golf holes are sponsored, which has even led to a scholarship being set up in Mr. Stephenson's name, too.

However, next month when the event takes place it will take on the new name of the Francis Stephenson Memorial Golf Tournament.

And Mr. Kermode said he, staff and the pupils would be looking to memorialise him in a more formal way.

Mr. Kermode added: "I think everyone right now is just taking time to pause and reflect on Stevo. He will be very fondly remembered.'' Former head of music at the school William Duncan said he and Mr. Stephenson were good friends.

"Stevo was a mentor to countless numbers of boys that went through Saltus, and I am sure they would have countless tales to tell, the majority of them tinged with affection.

"His bark was much worse than his bite and he always had the boys' best interests at heart.

"He was a lovely man.'' Mr. Stephenson was born in Ripon, North Yorkshire. He fought in the Second World War, and then afterwards went to King Alfred's College in Winchester to train as a teacher.

He then moved to Bermuda to work, and met his English wife Audrey, who was working here as a teacher in the public system.

They married and had one son, Philip. He is now living in Washington with a daughter, and a granddaughter, of his own.

But when Audrey wanted to return home to England to live, Mr. Stephenson did the decent thing and took her, despite quite enjoying his life in Bermuda.

The couple, who were married more than 50 years, lived in Lincolnshire, where his wife still resides.

Mr. Stephenson's body is to be cremated and his ashes scattered around the grounds of Ripon Cathedral, where his family is buried.

Francis Stephenson