A popular Kidlington school caretaker and keen painter has died aged 68.

Alex Vincent, known to his family and friends as Vince, passed away in Sobell House on March 21 following an 18-month battle with cancer.

Born in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, Mr Vincent moved to Kidlington 45 years ago after he came out of the Navy and took a job at the car factory in Cowley.

He met his future wife Barbara, who was born in Kidlington, and they were married at the village's St Mary's Church. They then moved into a house in Croft Avenue, Kidlington, where they lived all their married life. The couple were due to have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this year.

After working at the car factory for more than 30 years, Mr Vincent took a job as caretaker at West Kidlington School, where he worked for 11 years until retiring for health reasons.

Mr Vincent was also a keen painter and staged several exhibitions of his work. He also enjoyed walking and gardening.

Mr Vincent is survived by Barbara and their two children, Mark and Jackie.

Sue Franklin, a teacher at the school who worked with Mr Vincent for eight years, said: "He was a real character, very friendly and had a sense of humour which was appreciated by both pupils and staff alike."