A POPULAR former school teacher has died of cancer at the age of 78.

David James, of Mabe, taught maths and coached rugby for more than 25 years at Penryn School.

He was married to Helen for almost 50 years, with whom he has two children, Emma and Richard.

As a boy, David was educated at Bosvigo Primary and then Truro School, where his father was a housemaster and teacher.

His mother taught at Penwethers School in Truro.

David was an excellent athlete, playing schoolboy rugby for Cornwall and excelling at cross-country running.

In the early 1960s he went on to Borough Road College - West London Institute of Higher Education - where he qualified as a maths teacher.

He spent more than 25 years at Penryn School, teaching maths and coaching rugby.

His passions were sport, education, and expanding the horizons of his pupils. He took children on ski trips as well as mountain walking, camping and rock climbing. He was also a member of Restronguet Sailing Club.

After retiring he remained involved in maths education in Cornwall, building pupils' confidence and working as a private maths coach and a supply teacher at Truro and other schools.

He helped regenerate the Cornish Welsh Society - founded by his parents and compatriots during World War II and he organised numerous events including the annual St David's Day service in Truro Cathedral.

An avid stamp collector who was involved with the Cornwall Philatelic Society, David was an early volunteer to re-introduce choughs to Cornwall, regularly being on guard at the Lizard to watch over hatchlings.

He was an excellent wood carver, giving demonstrations at the Eden Project as well as Stithians and other local shows.

He went on to teach wood carving evening classes at Truro College.

He was a member of Helston Chamber Choir, singing bass, and was a regular attendant at concerts in the Hall for Cornwall and organ recitals in Truro Cathedral.

He also co-ordinated Falmouth Sailing week race results for many years.

There will be a private funeral at Penmount Crematorium Truro at 11am on Monday, February 3, followed by a reception to which all friends are welcome at the Norway Inn in Perranarworthal (2pm).