TRIBUTES have been paid to an "outstanding" headteacher who had died at the age of just 48-year-old.

Richard Marshall, a former Canon Slade pupil who went on to become headmaster at two of the country's leading schools, lost his battle against cancer on Tuesday.

The father-of-three lived in Egerton, before moving to North Yorkshire to become the headmaster of Ashville College, an independent day and boarding school in Harrogate, three years ago.

He become the school's 10th headteacher.

His three young children, Ethan, Emily and Harry, became Ashville pupils the same day he became its headmaster, with his wife, Kym, joining the teaching staff and is currently deputy head of prep school.

Leading the tributes, Jamie Search, chairman of governors, described Mr Marshall as an “outstanding leader who has been tragically taken from us far too early”

Mr Search said: “Richard joined Ashville following a rigorous interview process and was the unanimous choice of the governing body. That decision proved to be the right one as from the outset he fully immersed himself in Ashville life and focused on the education of our pupils.

“All here at Ashville are absolutely devastated and we will continue to support Kym and the children in any way we can.”

Mr Marshall was appointed headteacher of Bury Grammar School Boys in 2013 until 2017, after starting at the school in 2006 as head of chemistry.

In a statement, Bury Grammar School said: "It was with great sadness that Bury Grammar School heard the news of the passing of Mr Richard Marshall.

"Mr Marshall joined the Boys' School in 2006 as head of chemistry, after which he progressed to the role of Academic Deputy in 2008 and then Second Master in 2010.

" He was proud to lead Bury Grammar School Boys for four years from 2013 to 2017 as our 38th headmaster.

"Richard will be missed by many within our community.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this immensely sad time."

Mr Marshall was a graduate of University of Birmingham achieving a First in biochemistry and had an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London.

A basketball fanatic, he represented England in the sport as a schoolboy at Under 15, 19 and 23 age levels, whilst also playing for the British University England team and was captain of his university first team.

A service celebrating Mr Marshall’s life is being planned.