A school is mourning the death of its much loved site manager who first took the job 25 years ago to be near his seriously ill daughter.

Peter Hart, 69, worked at Wexham Secondary School in Norway Drive, where he was popular with staff and pupils - often driving the mini-bus.

He and his late wife Kath were also dedicated foster parents whose three foster daughters Catherine, Lesley and Samantha remained 'family' for life.

One of them, Catherine Barker - now a teacher at Slough's Arbour Vale School - explained why Mr Hart gave up a career as an accountant when he was 40, to work as caretaker at Wexham School.

She said: "His daughter Emma went to the school but had problems with her heart and he just wanted to be nearby."

Sadly, Emma died when she was 27 - leaving Mr Hart's adored grandson Nick, now eight.

Mr Hart became an invaluable member of the school team, driving the mini-bus and always available if pupils had a problem or wanted someone to talk to. As the school expanded his job grew in responsibility and importance to become site manager.

In a Facebook message, former head at Wexham School Jeff Richardson said: "He was a very special person. His service was unstinted. Nothing ever seemed to be too much trouble.

"He never failed to make an impact on people."

Ex-teacher at the school Pete Brookes said on Facebook said "he educated pupils as much as any teacher."

Slough's recently retired MP Fiona Mactaggart once nominated him for successfully for the Times Educational Supplement Bouquet of the Month.

Mr Hart's wife Kath died and he retired when his own health began to decline - but continued to live at the school.

As well as his three foster daughters and his grandson, Mr Hart leaves his brothers Michael and Ken.

Former pupil Dayle Thomas has organised a football tournament at the school this Sunday in Mr Hart's memory, which will raise money for Great Ormond Street children's hospital. It starts at noon and ex-pupils are all welcome.

Mr Thomas said: "He was a nice man who made life easier for a lot of people. He was genuinely interested in what you had to say."

Mr Hart's funeral is on Monday, July 17 at Slough Crematorium at 3pm, followed by a reception at the Irish Club in Sheehy Way.