TOUCHING tributes have poured in for former headteacher Henry Stennett, who has died aged 96.

Mr Stennett, known as Harry, is well-known in the community as the headteacher at Chase High School, when it was named Fairfax High School, in 1975 and Belfairs High School, now Belfairs Academy, from 1978 to 1987.

He died last month and is remembered as an extremely active and dedicated man who used his time and efforts to give back to the community.

He first served as a radar specialist with the Royal Artillery in the 65th Essex Regiment during World War Two in the Battle of Britain and Battle of the Bulge.

After the war, Henry became a headteacher at the City of Bath Technical School and head of biology before he moved to Leigh

He retired in 1987 but he was also remembered as a massive football fan. He served as a Football League linesman for 11 seasons from 1955 to 1965, and was in the European Cup Quarter Final in 1963.

His eldest son, Mark Stennett, 60, described his father as a man who always had time for others.

He said: “My father was very family-orientated, and he was extremely proud of his three sons and six grandchildren.

“My father was really involved in the community, and he always had time for everyone. He was very active, and people really enjoyed working with him.

“A lot of people looked up to him and whatever he did he always took up a lot of responsibility because he really cared for what he did.

“For example he served as presidents for the Southend Teachers Association, Southend Football Charity, Westcliff Business Luncheon Club and chairman of the Southend School’s Sailing and Canoeing Association. Everyone misses him.”

Dave Gutteridge from the Southend Football Charity said: “I knew Harry from Belfairs and he was highly regarded by a lot of people.

“No one has criticised him and I remember him as a very dedicated and big football fan.”

A funeral service will be held at St Saviour’s Church, Kings Road, Westcliff on March 8 at 11am.