TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular former teacher at a Malvern school who has died at the age of 83. 

Mark Ranasinghe was a popular teacher at The Chase school in the 1980s and 1990s before retirement.

Mr Ranasinghe was born in Sri Lanka in 1938 before moving to England in his 20s to go to university to study mechanical engineering.

His son, Jude, said his first job was as an engineer but as it required a lot of travelling away from his family and left him wanting a new career.

Jude said: "He took us to Sri Lanka for a couple of years, between 1980 and 1982.

"He wanted to show us his homeland.

"When he came back (to England) he became a teacher. He took one job before coming to The Chase, where he loved teaching mathematics for many years.

"As he was from Sri Lanka he was also a big cricket fan."

Mr Ranasinghe was married for more than 50 years to Margaret before her death last year.

The couple, who lived in Ledbury for more than 40 years, had two children, Jude and Aaron, and three grandchildren, Amy, Luke and Philippa. Mr Ranasinghe was also a devoted father-in-law to Maria.

After news of his death was posted on the Malvern Gazette website thousands viewed the notice, showing his popularity.

The death notice, written by the family, said: "Mark Ranasinghe - very sadly passed away on September 30 after a short illness in hospital.

"A quirky and entertaining character, who will be hugely missed and always remembered."

David Fawbert, who was former headmaster of Chase School when Mr Ranasinghe was teaching, added: "The memory of Mark Ranasinghe is a treasured one and he was very well liked by the children he taught, those in his form groups, and much respected in the staffroom, with endless good humour, supportive words and a ready smile.

"I can still see the twinkle in his eye."

A date for the funeral, which is being organised through Ledbury Funeral Services, has yet to be set but anyone who wishes to make a donation in his memory is asked to donate to Action Aid by the family.