A popular former headteacher and keen Lowestoft golfer described by his family as 'passionate about everything he was involved in' has died aged 82.

David Batley was well-known to Journal readers for his reports from Rookery Park Golf Club in Carlton Colville.

But he was also well-known as a teacher in the Yarmouth and Gorleston areas, before becoming headteacher of Blundeston Primary School.

Born in Lowestoft on March 11 1933, Mr Batley went to schools in the area and was on elf the few children who was not evacuated during the Second World War.

Despite passing his 11-Plus, he refused to go the grammar school and left school aged 14 without any qualifications and later worked at Eastern Coach Works and Pye television factory in the town.

But he later decided he wanted to work in education - and so went to night school while he was working to obtain qualifications and then went to a teacher training college in Kesteven, Lincolnshire.

It was there that he met his wife Patricia, now 71, with the pair moving back to Lowestoft to raise a family.

Both Mr and Mrs Batley separately won the student of the year prize at their teacher training college.

Mr Batley retired aged 63, but still carried on teaching children at home right up until a month before he died.

'He loved teaching,' his eldest son Isaac Batley, 47, said. 'It was important to him that everyone got an education.

'He was very well-liked and got on well with his staff and his kids.'

Mr Batley Jnr added that his father's teaching style was more to make friends with the pupils, rather than be a strict disciplinarian.

His other two passions in life were Norwich City, taking his children to games regularly, and golf.

However Mr Batley Jnr also said his father was also 'very much a family man'.

As well as his wife and eldest son, Mr Batley is survived by his children Jacob, Rebecca, Naomi and Miriam. He had eight grandchildren.

Did you know David Batley? To pay your tribute write, giving your full contact details, to: Journal Postbox, 147 London Road North, Lowestoft NR32 1NB or email andrew.papworth@archant.co.uk