SCORES of touching tributes have been paid to a popular primary school headteacher after he died suddenly aged just 39.

Nick Riddiough, executive principal of Willowdown Primary Academy and Woolavington Village Primary School, died unexpectedly on Wednesday.

Father of two Mr Riddiough was appointed as the principal of Willowdown in 2014 and as the joint principal of the two schools a year after.

He has been described by colleagues as a caring, generous and passionate principal who always had the best interests of his pupils at heart.

Hundreds of messages of condolence and flowers have been left at the schools’ gates as the two schools mourn, and specialist counsellors have now been bought in for both staff and pupils.

Kevin Crossley, chief executive officer of The Collaborative Academies Trusts which the schools are part of, led the tributes.

He said: “Nick’s heart was firmly set upon making Willowdown and Woolavington outstanding schools.

“He was a generous, caring leader who stood up for what he believed was right.

“We have lost a talented and respected colleague who was a joy to work with.

“Words cannot convey my great sorrow at such a young life being taken in such an untimely manner and at a time when Nick was engaged in what he believed would be a tremendous educational legacy at both schools.

“He truly cared about children, about schools and about education. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Leigh Redman, a school governor, also paid tribute and said: “As one of the members of the first board for this school worked along with him to get the school opened.

“From the first time I met him I was taken by his dedication, enthusiasm, drive and caught up by his methods for teaching, a method that to me makes Willowdown an amazing place and this is because of Nick.

“I was shocked when I heard the news of his passing, the board, teachers, staff and pupils are devastated, my thoughts go to his family, friends and everyone in the school, his work will go on, the staff and board will make sure his vision is realized.

“Willowdown is an amazingly different and inspiring place because of him.”

As well as the tributes, a book of condolence has been opened up by Willow Down School.

Lesley Greenway, headteacher of nearby Chilton Trinity, said: "We worked closely with Nick as he was the executive head of one of our feeder primary schools, Woolavington.

"We are greatly saddened to hear of his sudden death.

“He was a really inspirational head with a genuine passion for his students and education.

"Nick was innovative and creative in the way he did things.

“Our thoughts are with his family and the two local school communities at Woolavington and Willowdown."

Peter Elliott, executive headteacher at Bridgwater College Academy, said: “Those of us who had the privilege to work alongside Nick will remember him for his strong sense of moral purpose and his passion for young people.

“In his short time at Willowdown Academy, he has been instrumental in building the strong foundations of a great school and he will be missed dearly.”

Andrew Venn, Nick’s deputy and a long standing colleague and friend, and Mark Jackson, head of school at Woolavington, who he had worked so closely with since joining the trust, will continue to lead day to day work in the schools.