DR Mark Radburn, assistant principal of Coleg Powys, who started his career in education at Herefordshire College of Technology, has died after a long illness.

He joined HCT as a lecturer in leisure and recreation in 1988, rising rapidly to head the department of hospitality, tourism and leisure before moving to Hartpury College in Gloucestershire as deputy principal.

As assistant principal at Coleg Powys, which he joined in September 2000, Dr Radburn was the senior manager in charge of operations at the Newtown campus and the surrounding community.

It was a role that involved him working with a number of partner organisations, from whom the college has received many messages paying tribute to him.

"Mark has made a major contribution to the college and its development, not only through his experience and professional skills but also through his warmth, humour and humanity," said college principal John Stephenson. "He will be very greatly missed by all of his colleagues, both within and outside the college.

"His courage and cheerfulness in facing what he knew to be a terminal condition has been an inspiration to us all and our thoughts go to his wife, Julia, and his very young family."

Dr Radburn is survived by his wife, Julia, daughter Katie and son Tom.