THE funeral of a popular Hampshire head teacher who died from cancer will be held on Friday.

Two services are to be held in memory of Mark Roe, pictured, of Brookfield Community School because of the number of mourners expected.

Mr Roe's family and education chiefs have paid tribute to the man who led the Sarisbury Green school to specialist status, as well as overseeing a major expansion in his 15 years as head teacher.

His wife Alison and daughters Jen and Lil said: "We would just like to say how much we are missing Mark. He was a loving husband and father who was always fun to be with.

"We have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have contacted us whose lives have been at some time touched by Mark. We have found this very comforting and we would like to say thank you."

Pupils will finish at noon as a mark of respect and to allow them to attend a memorial service. A celebration of 54-year-old Mr Roe's life and a lasting memorial will follow at a later stage.

Governors chairman Gerald Ingram said: "We are very sad at the loss. He led the huge improvement in standards at Brookfield over the last 15 years and was always keen to ensure every child had the opportunity to do their best."

Mr Roe's funeral service will take place at 1pm at St Barnabas Church in Swanmore, but space will be limited. A memorial service will be held at St John's Church in Locks Heath at 3.30pm.