A deputy head teacher who died after he was injured by cows while out walking has been described as the “heart and soul” of his school, writes Dave Higgens of the Press Association.

Dave Clark, who was deputy head of Richmond School, in North Yorkshire, died while on a walk in fields near the town on Monday (September 21) night.

Richmond School head Jenna Potter said: “Dave Clark was the heart and soul of Richmond School.

“He was an enormous character, a brilliant school leader and simply a lovely man who enriched the life of everyone he came into contact with, just by being himself and doing what he did every day.”

Mr Clark had worked at the school since 1997 and had been deputy head for 17 years.

She said: “He was highly regarded by everyone he taught and families appreciated his firm but fair manner and the very high standards he expected of every student in the school.”

Ms Potter added: “He never let students get away with being anything other than their very best, never giving up on them, even when at times it felt as though they wanted to give up on themselves.

“All of this Dave did with a smile and a level of kindness and care that is seldom seen.”

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Mr Clark was a keen sportsman and loved the Yorkshire Dales, spending his time cycling and walking.

Ms Potter said: “Our students and their parents have been lucky to have known and been helped by him. We have been privileged as a staff to have worked with him and will continue working in the same way in his memory.

“Above all, Dave was a family man. Our thoughts are with Dave’s wife, his children and wider family at this difficult time.”

North Yorkshire Police said in a statement: “Police were called to a report that a man in his 50s had been injured by cows in a field north of Richmond, at 7.30pm on Monday September 21.

“He was treated by paramedics, but sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be working to support those affected by his death today.

“The Health and Safety Executive has been informed, and inquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.”