Acting and teaching were John's passion.

TO his colleagues and pupils at Oldcastle Junior School, where he worked from 1982 until his retirement in 1995, John Jones, of Ogmore-by-Sea, was a much-loved and well-respected teacher.

But education was not John's only passion - he also had a great love of acting.

Throughout his life he enjoyed drama, English and poetry, and performed in several amateur productions.

From a young age, John shone as a performer and sang in several Eisteddfodau. A natural performer, he loved being on stage. In 1965 he joined Bridgend Castle Players and was a principal actor for many years.

He performed in Monte Carlo at the World Festival of Drama and took part in drama competitions all over Britain and Ireland.

He was named best actor on numerous occasions, and had a particular love of the works of Dylan Thomas. He was noted for his performances in Under Milk Wood and for his stunning rendition of The Outing.

In 1967 he added another string to his bow through his involvement with Bridgend Folk Club. Via his friend and fellow teacher John Francis he became a part of the six-strong group Kaleidoscope.

John's enthusiasm for drama continued when he formed the Sealawns Players at his local pub, directing a number of successful and popular productions.

He also joined Bridgend Male Voice Choir in 2005. This gave John a great deal of pleasure and something of a new lease of life. He was also given the opportunity to showcase his talent, enriching concerts with his humour and stories. John was also a fantastic bass singer, well-known for his monologues and storytelling. It was after gaining a distinction in teacher training at Swansea Training College that John met his wife Carol, who later became headteacher at Oldcastle Infants School. It was love at first sight and the couple wed at Gilfach Goch in 1962.

They have a daughter, Jessica, 34, and a grandson Jacob, 10, known as JJ.

Before his headship at Oldcastle, John taught in Trelales Primary School with his good friend, actor Huw Ceredig, and briefly worked as deputy head at Llangewydd Junior School.

He was a larger-than-life character, with no airs and graces. He was always full of fun and humour and was really well-liked by all the choristers.

As well as drama and teaching, John loved all types of sport, particularly rugby and oversaw the development of the school's under-11 team.

Sadly, John lost a year-long battle with cancer. His widow Carol received more than 150 sympathy cards, showing the esteem in which he was held by colleagues and the love and affection of his pupils.

Headteacher, actor and singer John Jones has died, at the age of 70

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John Jones, of Ogmore-by-Sea, was a well-respected teacher