HEARTFELT messages of thanks and condolence have flooded in for an inspirational former headteacher who died suddenly while on holiday in Malta.

Douglas Challen touched the lives of hundreds of pupils during his decade long spell in charge of Wanstead High School from 1982 until 1993.

The popular grandfather-of-two died of a heart attack on Monday February 22 aged 77, while on a break in the Mediterranean with his wife Liliane.

His family have received poignant letters from past students and parents at Wanstead High School, praising him for the help and support he showed them down the years - one of which were read out at his funeral on Friday, March 12.

His daughter Katja Challen, 47, said she had been touched by the reaction to his death.

She said: "Wanstead High was dad's last teaching post before retirement, so it was particularly important to him.

"He had previously taught at a rural school in Shropshire, but dealing with the more streetwise pupils at Wanstead High was a challenge I think he enjoyed.

"One of his former pupils at the time was (snooker player) Ronnie O'Sullivan. If he saw Ronnie wasn't at registration he'd go and find him at a local snooker club and bring him back.

"He had a soft spot even for the more difficult pupils. He gained respect from the pupils by delivering firm but fair discipline. He had a good sense of humour which rubbed off well on the children.

"We had one letter sent to us where a parent spoke about how their daughter would never have achieved anything without dad's support. She's a physiotherapist now."

Mr Challen was a talented linguist who studied at both Oxford and Cambridge universities before going into teaching.

Katja said: "He had alot of responsibilities to take care of at Wanstead High, including running the adjoining sports centre, so teaching in the classroom was greatly minimised. However he spent lots of time working with the children, which was what he loved.

"He and mum were very close having been married 52 years. They met while he was working during his holidays as a rep for a hotel in Oostende Belgium where she was born and brought up."

Bryan Arkell, a long-serving teacher at Wanstead High, who worked with Mr Challen during his time at the school, said: "He was a charismatic man and well respected by staff and pupils.

"I worked with him for about ten years.

"He is fondly remembered from his time here."

Mr Challen, of Hertford, Herts, leaves his wife Liliane, children Guy and Katja and granddaughters Christine and Katherine.