Staff at Cambridge Primary School in Barrow have paid tribute to former pupil Dave Myers, saying Barrow has lost its greatest ambassador.
The Hairy Biker was a pupil of the school when it was known as Abbotsmead and returned a few years ago to film as part of a BBC series.
Headteacher Jenny Lavery said the celebrity chef showed a genuine joy to be back in the school, telling stories about his time in school and his childhood in Barrow.
“Dave was a lovely person to meet, no hint of the fame or celebrity; a down-to-earth, genuine man.
“He was warm and friendly with staff and children, allowing us to take photos and signing recipe books for us to raffle,” she said.
“He spent longer at the school than planned, filming pieces to camera, recording the voice over in my office and was generous enough to spend time answering questions the children had and allowing them to shadow him during filming. It really was such an event for us all.
“We are so sorry to hear of his death and send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.”
Mr Myers said at the time that he had very fond memories of the school and that it was lovely to be back for the first time in 50 years.
Speaking on The One Show’s A Street Where you Live feature he said the school was still thriving and a very friendly place.
He recalled how he learnt to tell left from right by thinking about where the school hall was in relation to the corridor and still remembered his left from right in this way.
Mr Myers, who grew up in nearby Devon Street, also credited the school for where he discovered an early love of art before going on to study a fine art degree at Goldsmiths in London.
Sam Plum, chief executive of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “He was a tireless advocate for Barrow, Furness and the wider area and did immense good showcasing the many fantastic aspects of our area nationally and internationally.
“His easy embodiment of the strength of community of his home town was evident in everything he did and his support of events, groups and charities locally was much appreciated by many.
“The world is a less brighter place after his passing and we would like to extend our sympathies to Dave’s family and friends. The flag at Barrow Town Hall has been lowered to half mast today as a mark of our respect and we will be discussing in the days and weeks to come how we can more permanently commemorate Dave’s legacy.”
