Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Swindon science teacher who helped generations of young people succeed and enjoy their time in the classroom.

Michael Wilson grew up in Meadowcroft and lived in Cricklade Road while teaching at Kingsdown School for more than a decade.

He suffered a heart attack in the classroom in 2008 and was revived by one of the teaching assistants, then had open heart surgery and took early retirement in 2013.

The 63-year-old died on January 31 of a heart-related issue. A celebration of his life is being held later this month.

His brother David added: “He was a great man and a very popular teacher with a passion for the job. He loved the school and the young people he worked with.

“He was very musical, he liked singing and playing the guitar and organising school performances because he felt strongly about music being an important part of a child’s education. He was very creative and had a way of connecting with people and making science fun.

“Former students used to stop him in the street and let him know how they’d got on because they wanted to share their successes and thank him. Lots of young people were very grateful to him for helping them achieve the results they needed.

“He originally wanted to become a doctor but decided to be a teacher instead. I think that was the right choice because it suited him so well.”

Michael won a scholarship to Clifton College after doing well in his 11-plus exams at Ruskin Junior School, then completed a degree in Biochemistry at Essex University.

He started teaching in Bristol before working at a special educational needs school in Calne for boys with challenging behaviours. After moving to the Isle of Wight with his wife of 36 years Lorraine and teaching at two schools there, he moved back to Swindon in 2002 and spent the last years of his career at Kingsdown School as a teacher and head of year.

The Adver's own chief sports reporter Jonathan Leighfield remembers being taught by Mr Wilson at Kingsdown.

He said: "He was an absolute gem, one of the nicest teachers I had and one of my favourites. He had a kind way of speaking and explained things in a way that was understandable but not condescending.

"I'm sad to hear he died."

The loyal and “long-suffering” Swindon Town fan attended many matches with his brothers during his lifetime and followed all the team’s highs and lows. David fondly recalled one game, around 40 years ago, when Swindon needed a point away at Newport to avoid being relegated to Division Four but failed to do so, as well as more successful matches which saw Town reach the play-off finals and go to Wembley.

David added: “He was a devoted family man, they meant everything to him. He was great fun and had a good sense of humour, he used to write comedy sketches and tried submitting some to the BBC.

“He was very caring and compassionate man with a big heart and a passion for seeing young people thrive. That’s his legacy.”

A service of thanksgiving for Mr Wilson’s life will be held at Upper Stratton Baptist Church on Monday February 28 at 10.30am followed by a committal at Kingsdown Crematorium.

Michael leaves a widow as well as four surviving children - Nick, Bill, Joe and Katy - and granddaughter Holly. His daughter Alex died in 2012.