A popular teacher and devoted family man has died after an 18-month fight with bowel cancer.

Christopher Stockwell became the longest serving teacher at Oakwood Park Grammar School, in Maidstone, following 28 years in the design and technology department.

The 71-year-old died at his West Farleigh home on Sunday morning but leaves behind countless classroom tales and loving memories with his family.

His daughter, Mia Stockwell-Thompson, revealed his positivity never dipped as he fought cancer.

She said: “He was very loving, devoted and loyal. He had a wicked sense of humour.

“He had worked as a salesman and moved around before he moved to Maidstone. This is where he settled and this is where his heart was.”

Mr Stockwell, who was on West Farleigh Parish Council, went to school in Nairobi, Kenya, before moving to the UK aged 19. He was married to Wendy for 47 years and had two children Mia and Richard.

Past pupils of Mr Stockwell will remember his performance of There’s a Hole in My Bucket when he wore a half and half outfit and carried out a duet by himself.

Mia’s eight-year-old daughter Lilja would often share a birthday party with her grandfather.

One of Mia’s fondest memories of her father came when she moved into her own home and Mr Stockwell gave her a housewarming gift inspired by his teaching career.

She said: “He made up a toolset for me and it was made up of pink screwdrivers. He then proceeded to use my tools he had got me.”

Mr Stockwell’s cooking, especially his curries, also took on a legendary status within his village while dinner times provided even more special memories.

Mia said: “One of my school friends came round for dinner when we were younger and she spilt some food on the floor. The next time she came round for dinner, dad had a plastic sheet under the chair!”