Shock death of '˜passionate' headteacher

Mick Charnock died suddenly at his home in Blackpool.

A keen runner and walking enthusiast, he is believed to have felt unwell on Tuesday and a neighbour raised the alarm on Thursday.

Mr Charnock, who was previously deputy headteacher at Chaucer Primary in Fleetwood, held the reins at Greenlands Community Primary in Preston for the past 12 years.

He was 59.

Andy Mellor, headteacher at St Nicholas CE Primary in Marton and vice-president of the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT),worked with Mr Charnock at Chaucer Primary.

He said: “He was always really passionate about the children and passionate about making sure they got what they needed.

“He was a proper champion for children and was a voice of your conscience.

“You could rely on him to bring you back, if you were in any doubt, that it was all about the children, particularly children from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have been dealt a strong hand in life.

“That came through loud and clear.

Jackie Brimelow, deputy headteacher at Greenlands, said: “We’re very sad to hear this terrible news after he passed away suddenly at his home.”

She added: “Mick was a great man and a fantastic headteacher.

“Teaching was his life and you couldn’t have anyone more passionate or committed to their job.

“Mick was devoted to achieving good outcomes for Greenlands and all the children here. He was passionate about the pupils’ welfare and ensuring they had a good future. He always supported campaigns to improve learning and attended the We Are Reading launch event only last week.

“He was well respected by the pupils he taught, the staff here and the local community.

“We will all miss Mick and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this sad and difficult time.”

The cause of Mr Charnock’s death has not been announced.