A POPULAR former headmaster who dedicated his life to disabled children has died, aged 70, after a long illness.

Malcolm Evans, who was head of Westfield Special School, Maesglas, for 22 years, was also involved for many years with Newport Mencap and was heavily involved with schoolboy soccer.

The former director of education for Gwent, David Griffiths, 64, who worked with Mr Evans in developing Westfield Special School, called him "irreplaceable".

"Malcolm was always intent on helping others, never thinking of himself," he said. "He will be sadly missed by a great number of people."

The mother of one of the hundreds of children who attended the school said Mr Evans did everything he possibly could to improve opportunities for his pupils, some of whom had severe learning disabilities.

"He was a marvellous man," said Vicky Willatts of Llantarnam, whose daughter Nicola Berman, now 29, has Down's Syndrome and went on to study horticulture at Coleg Gwent after leaving Westfield.

The Dean of Monmouth paid tribute to the "tremendously caring nature" of Mr Evans, a devout Christian who regularly attended St Woolos Cathedral in Newport.

"He had time for everybody, and was great at bringing people together," said the Very Reverend Richard Fenwick.

Mr Evans began his teaching career in 1956 at St Andrew's Secondary School, Corporation Road, New-port, which has since closed. After gaining a Diploma in Special Education he became head of Westfield School in 1976.

Initially, the school only catered for children up to the age of 16, but Mr Evans pushed for expansion and the local education authority eventually allowed pupils to stay on to the age of 23.

He gave up his spare time to volunteer with Newport MENCAP for 30 years, serving as chairman for five years. He leaves his wife, Diane, 71, and sons Peter, 38, and Andrew, 35.

A funeral service will take place at 2.45pm on Friday at St Woolos Cathedral.