A FORMER teacher and school governor has died.

Peter Cook, who was aged 62, died suddenly at his Droitwich home.

A funeral service is due to be held today at Worcester Crematorium at 1.30pm.

Mr Cook gave a lifetime to service to education - much of it voluntary.

He was head of science at Chantry High School in Martley before joining Blessed Edward Oldcorne RC School in Worcester and he was prominent in the National Union of Teachers.

He was at Blessed Edward for nearly 10 years before ill health forced him to retire.

During his retirement he carried out some supply work at Elgar High School, Worcester, before becoming a governor at both Droitwich High School and Witton Middle School, in the town.

He became chairman of governors at Witton in 2002.

School headteacher David Coll described Mr Cook as a "tower of strength".

He said: "He made a huge contribution to the school.

"A huge void has been left because of his expert knowledge of the education system."

Mr Cook was also treasurer of the county division of the National Union of Teachers for 30 years.

He was also treasurer of both the city and south Worcestershire associations.

He was instrumental in merging all the associations into one.

Mike Hodgson, general secretary of the Worcestershire division, said: "We have all lost very supportive colleague and much-valued friend.

"The esteem that colleagues felt for Peter led to his election as president of the division on many occasions.

"His commitment meant that he rarely missed a meeting in more than 30 years."

Mr Cook leaves a wife Julia, deputy headteacher at Elgar Technology College, and three grown up children.