Tributes have been paid to the former assistant headteacher of Lewis School Pengam, who died over Christmas, aged 70.

Andrew James left the school in 2012, having started teaching English there in the 1970s.

In a Facebook post, Dr Chris Howard – a former headteacher of the school – said: “Like me, all friends and former colleagues have been shocked by the tragic and sudden death of Andrew James.

“He dedicated his life to the pupils of Lewis School Pengam for almost 40 years.

“For most of my time there he was a rock and bastion of pastoral care in the middle school. A passionate advocate for Wales and it’s language – his own first language – he was an expert teacher and exponent of English.

“A strong disciplinary code informed his professional practice but his was also a gentle and artistic soul which was capable of great acts of kindness to pupils, colleagues and friends.

“He was a very great help to many of those around him.”

Dr Howard added: “He might of course have enjoyed another life altogether as a professional musician but if fate had allowed that to come about I know he would have missed Pengam, with its many eccentricities, it’s long traditions and it’s unparalleled companionship – for he valued those qualities and friendships more than he would ever admit.”

The Facebook post attracted hundreds of comments from former pupils paying tribute to Mr James, who was nicknamed ‘Popeye’.

One Facebook user commented: “Sad news. Fantastic teacher. I really enjoyed English with Mr James. Firm but fair, he was well respected, a good laugh and had a knack with engaging with the class.”

Another commenter said: “Terrible news, Mr James was absolutely one of the most charismatic and engaging teachers I remember. I often think about two talks he gave at assembly that really stayed with me, one about blame and forgiveness and one about ‘the doldrums’, (basically life grinding you down and how to combat it). Gone too soon.”

Another comment read: “So sad to hear of Andrew’s passing. In my time at Lewis we butted heads occasionally and had many differences of opinions over what he thought I should be learning and what I wanted to learn but always had a tremendous amount of respect for him. Used to bump into him occasionally around Caerphilly and he always had time to chat and talk music. Andrew will be sadly missed.