PHILLIP Rutter, former headteacher at Kinwarton House School, died last week in Alcester Hospital. He was 83.

Mr Rutter, who lived in Icknield Row, led the private school from 1951 until it closed in the late 1980s.

He was a motor racing enthusiast and his name was linked to many famous names, including the late Mike Hawthorne and Peter Collins, who became governors at the school, and Nigel Mansell.

Mr Rutter was the oldest surviving former High Bailiff in Alcester. The honour now transfers to Jim Adams, who said: "Mr Rutter was not very active with the Court Leet in recent years but served it well during his time. He was well liked and respected as headmaster and was always interested in the pupils, even after they left."

For the past three years Mr Rutter attended the Oasis Christian Centre in Redditch. Pastor Robin Baker said: "He was a very caring man, very thoughtful. He was always interested in people and the church, especially the young people."

The funeral will take place on Monday at the Oasis Christian Centre, Plymouth Road, at 11.30am. The service will be followed by cremation at Redditch at 12.30pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers are requested for the Oasis Christian Centre or Alcester Hospital.