TRIBUTES have been paid to a retired teacher who died following a collision with a car in his home town.

Seventy-five-year-old John Reynolds taught industrial studies at Wolverley High School until he retired 20 years ago and was "very, very popular" with students and staff alike, according to a former colleague.

The pensioner, of Dorsett Road, Stourport, died on Friday evening after being involved in the collision with a car in Bewdley Road just after 10pm on Thursday.

He had been to meet a friend and was taken by ambulance to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, where he died. He leaves a widow, Patricia.

Shocked deputy headteacher of Wolverley High, David Hollies, said Mr Reynolds had played a key role in developing the school's work experience programme. He taught industrial studies and retired in 1985.

"For those of us who knew him, his death has come as a shock because he was such a nice man," Mr Hollies said.

"He was a very active chap when I last saw him and was enjoying an active retirement."

He added: "John was the sole person responsible for the work experience at the school and made it a real success.

"He developed it so that every single child in the school had two weeks work experience and, for many students, that was the most important work of their whole school life ... he put a lot of time and effort into placements because he believed strongly that children shouldn't be locked up in an academic world all the time."

PC Andy Saunders of North Worcestershire police's road policing unit said the accident was being investigated and urged any witnesses to contact the road policing unit on 08457 444888.

"Obviously, this is a tragedy for Mr Reynolds's family and friends," he said.

PC Mark Rowley added: "The smallest piece of information can make a real difference to our enquiries so please call if you saw something that might be relevant."