A HUGELY popular teacher who taught thousands of Croydon and Sutton children has died.

John Jenkins spent 43 years of his life between both boroughs in a profession he "lived for".

He taught at Trinity School, in Shirley, Cumnor House School, in South Croydon, and Wilson's School, in Wallington.

He passed away aged 70 last Wednesday, after battling a long illness.

Paying tribute, twin brother Stephen said: "He was an incredibly dedicated teacher and he loved being a teacher – he lived for it.

"I think he was an inspiration, very honest and he was a very accurate predictor of futures."

It was at Wilson's that Mr Jenkins spent most of his career, having joined in 1962. He became deputy head teacher for six years before he left in 1989.

Famous pupils he taught in that time included the influential fashion designer John Galliano.

Stephen added: "He spent all his spare time at the school supporting extra curricular activities, coaching, refereeing and umpiring.

"Cricket was his major love and he played for Old Wilsonians.

"At Wilson's, John was the major source of support for the boys and their parents when there was any kind of problem in school or at home, or indeed any of the indiscretions that arise in teenage lives. He always made himself available."

After Wilson's, Mr Jenkins taught at Trinity for three years and in 1993 became head teacher of Cumnor House.

He remained in the position for five years and remained at the school until 2005.

Stephen said: "There will be innumerable boys who will remember him for all their lives for pushing, cajoling and demanding that they do well.

"He became seriously ill in 2003 and handled a long and debilitating illness with immense fortitude and good humour."

Born in Sanderstead, father-of-four Mr Jenkins was married to wife Linda for 20 years.

His funeral, organised by Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors, was held on Wednesday at Croydon Parish Church.