ALAN Walton, who has died aged 79, was a schoolteacher, volunteer with St John Ambulance and a prominent member of the Kidlington community.

Born and brought up in Rugby, he decided on a teaching career after completing his National Service.

He chose Westminster College in London, but in his final year of training, the college moved to Oxford and he transferred with it.

He went for teaching practice at Gosford Hill School, Kidlington, and headteacher Joe Ainley was so impressed with him that he was offered a permanent post.

Joining the staff in September 1960 he specialised in biology, teaching pupils to grow plants in the school greenhouse and allotment, care for animals in the school menagerie and develop an interest in forestry.

He spent 37 years at the school, seeing it develop from catering for ages 11 to 15 into one with pupil numbers as high as 1,400.

He accompanied many school parties to Kilvrough Manor on the Gower Peninsula in Wales and other residential centres.

Former colleague, Terry Tossell, said: “However busy he was, he had time for everybody – children, teachers and parents. People had confidence he would listen and respond to their concerns.”

Mr Walton joined St John Ambulance in 1963 after seeing a scooter rider break a leg in a road accident and realising he had no idea how to help him.

He became a divisional officer and then superintendent of the Kidlington division, a position he held for 38 years.

In 1987, he joined the Big Party in Hyde Park in London, celebrating the charity’s 100th anniversary.

Six years later, his leadership and dedication to the charity were recognised when he was made a Serving Brother of the Venerable Order of St John of Jerusalem.

Another accolade followed when it was announced in the Queen’s New Year honours that he had become an officer of the order – the equivalent of an OBE.

He once said: “You never know what you’ll be faced with when you’re providing first aid cover. It’s incredibly varied and so enjoyable.”

Mr Walton was a keen gardener, specialising in growing chrysanthemums. He was a former chairman of Kidlington Gardening Club and played a significant role in designing and planting flower beds in the village as well as helping to earn it high ratings in Britain in Bloom.

He was also a steward and former organist at Kidlington Methodist Church.

Mr Walton, who lived in Evans Lane, Kidlington, and died on January 19, leaves a widow Anita and two children, Deione and Phil.