FROM looking after the spiritual well-being of pupils to encouraging them to take part in school productions, Rex Moore was never far from the thick of things at Crompton House.

In fact, he had been involved with the school for almost two decades and was said, in tributes this week, to be "a great friend to many".

Rex passed away earlier this month and the school’s comments have, unsurprisingly, been heartfelt.

Deputy head Jim Upton said: "He was always someone you could rely on and all the teachers and pupils thought the world of him. He would often tell pupils all the stories about his life and travels and they loved to listen – he was very much like a grandad to many."

It was after retiring as the headteacher of a primary school in Bury that Mr Moore first began teaching religious studies at Crompton House in 1989.

From there he filled in many lessons as a supply teacher and was always on hand to help out with school plays.

Mr Upton said: "Rex not only taught a multitude of subjects but also performed in school productions, painted scenery and much, much more. Even if Rex wasn’t teaching for a while, he was always around helping out with different things. We had a great affection for him, and he will be sadly missed."

Mr Moore had battled cancer for a number of months but passed away in Springhill Hospice on September 12. He lived in Rochdale with his wife of 51 years, Gladys, and leaves two children and four grandchildren.

His wife told the Advertiser this week: "I know Crompton House thought a lot about him, and likewise he thought a lot about the school – it was a home-from-home for him.  He was always involved in something, he loved acting in the school plays and even played Fagan in Oliver three times!  He could turn his hand to anything and would do anything for anyone.  Rex said he’d had a brilliant 73 years and that he wouldn’t change a single thing, and you can’t ask for more than that."

Crompton House school choir sang at Mr Moore’s funeral last week. Donations in memory of his life and what he gave to so many local youngsters can be made to Springhill Hospice.