MICHAEL Birch, the first headteacher of Oldbury Park Primary School in Worcester, has died at the age of 64.

Kidderminster-born, Mr Birch, of Broad Green, near Broadwas, suffered from cancer of the pancreas and he died on Tuesday, July 12.

He began his 35 years in education teaching in Stourbridge and Kidderminster.

In 1972, he was appointed headteacher at Broadwas Primary School, then spent eight years as headteacher at Comer Gardens Primary.

In 1984, Mr Birch became the first headteacher of Oldbury Park Primary School, Oldbury Road, St John's, following the merger of three city schools - Henwick Grove Infants, Henwick Grove Junior and Comer Gardens Primary.

His wife Sylvia said: "Mike loved teaching and was dedicated and committed to his fellow teachers and pupils.

"He was extremely well liked by his colleagues and loved by the children."

Mr Birch's hobbies included fishing, model trains, travelling and gardening.

Singing was particularly important to him. He sang in the church choirs of St Andrew's and St George's, in Kidderminster.

In fact, it was through St George's Church that he met Sylvia 41 years ago. The pair married in August, 1966. They had two children, Jayne and Sally, and four grandchildren. A community-orientated man, Mr Birch served as a city magistrate for 10 years, as a churchwarden at Broadwas Church and was a member of Broadwas Parish Council.

Mrs Birch said: "Mike loved and was loved by everyone. He was a good friend to many.

"Everyone has their own special memories of Mike and it has been lovely to read these personal descriptions."

She added that the family appreciated the support they had received.

Teacher Glenys Hewitt, from Oldbury Park Primary School, worked with Mr Birch for around 20 years.

She said: "He was an amazingly popular headteacher - hardworking and very much loved by the staff, children and parents."

A private cremation is due to take place at Broadwas Church on Friday, July 22.

Cremation will be followed by a thanksgiving service.