FRIENDS of a respected former Kingsteignton headteacher are hoping to reach their fund-raising target of £500 at the end of this month for a lasting memorial to  him.

John Hammond., who passed away in February last year , was head of both Sandpath and Rydon Schools in Kingsteignton. 

‘John was a very popular and well-loved teacher,’ said Kingsteignton town crier Jackie Edwards, who along with friends Lindaa Bearne and Sandra Knight came up with idea.

‘Our plan is to raise enough  for a memorial bench and  table at Rydon Primary School to commemorate his time at both  schools.’

Mr Hammond started as head  Sandpath Junior School in 1972 and then moved to Rydon Primary when it opened in 1987 where he remained until he retired 1994.

‘ We’ve been in touch Rydon school and they would like  if possible an extra long wooden table in the garden that the pupils can use to work at,’ continued Jackie.

Anyone wishing to make a donation should head to  www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-for-a-late-greatly-respected-headteacher