WARM tribute has been paid to a pioneering headmaster and former England rugby international who passed away on his 77th birthday.

Laurance Ivor Rimmer - known as Lawrie - was in charge at Framlingham College for 18 years from 1971 to 1989. He oversaw a raft of changes – including a decision to go fully independent and to introduce a policy of full co-education.

He passed away at a care home near Aldeburgh on May 31, the day of his 77th birthday.

Mr Rimmer was educated at Birkenhead School and as a young man did National Service in Cyprus, where he held a commission in the Intelligence Corps.

He then went to Corpus Christi in Oxford to read geography, where he also excelled at rugby - winning an Oxford Blue and was capped once for England.

He became headmaster at Framlingham at the age of just 35 with the task of modernising the College.

The end of Direct Grant status led to a decision to go fully independent in 1974, followed by a policy of full co-education, which was unusual at the time. An extensive building programme was also undertaken and much of what the College takes for granted today was part of Mr Rimmer’s vision.

Mr Rimmer was married to Gillian, who has also passed away. Their four children - Shane, Drummond, Daniel and Arran - were all educated at the College.

Current headmaster Paul Taylor said: “Since retiring, Laurie spent much of his time at Thorpeness, retaining much of his ebullience and charm. He will be remembered with affection by many generations of past College pupils, parents and staff, as well as many other friends in Suffolk and beyond.”