HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for a popular retired teacher who passed away after a short illness.

Roy Cullen, who taught history and politics at Varndean College in Brighton, died on August 17, aged 69.

Born in Wood Green, London, on September 5 1946, he moved to Brighton to study at Sussex University in 1966 and later joined Varndean Grammar School for Boys which became Varndean College in 1975.

His son, Sam, described his dad as a very caring, compassionate and thoughtful person.

Sam, 28, has been flooded with messages by former students who were taught by Roy.

He said: “Everyone had such great respect for him. A lot of people have been in touch with me to say he was the best teacher they have ever had.”

In a statement Varndean College said: “Roy was an exceptional and inspirational teacher, who always received glowing feedback from students.

“Even after he retired in 2012, Roy continued in a voluntary capacity giving extra help and support to politics students. Over the years Roy has touched the lives of thousands of students and staff.”

Roy also set up the politics society at Varndean College, which he ran for more than 20 years.

Large numbers of students attended each week to debate the burning issues of the day with MPs and activists.

David Lepper, former MP for Brighton Pavilion from 1997 to 2010, was a frequent visitor to the politics society.

He said: “What really struck me was how Roy did his best to encourage young people to find out more about their world and get interested in politics.

“It became one of the events I use to look forward to each year.”

Roy who kept busy in retirement also volunteered for the LifeLines project preventing older people from being isolated.

He fell ill in May and died after a short battle with cancer.

Roy leaves his wife of 28 years Sarah, four children and six grandchildren.

Son Sam said: “It is a very sad loss but we take solace from the kind things people are saying and we draw strength from that.

“He was a great man.”