A former chief education officer of Oxfordshire County Council, who had a road in Headington named after him, has died, aged 88.

John Garne became an education administrator in Oxford after beginning his career as a teacher at Watford Grammar School.

His major achievement was to supervise the amalgamation of the city and county's education services in 1974, when he became the first chief education officer for the combined authority.

He had previously worked as a deputy chief education officer at Oxford City Council from 1947 until 1960, when he became chief education officer.

He retired from the county council in 1977, when he was replaced by Tim Brighouse. His work for the two authorities was recognised when the road, John Garne Way, was named in his honour.

Former colleague and friend Dennis Banton said: "He dealt with a very difficult situation very competently. He was a sound administrator who had a great deal of integrity.

"He was a very caring person who was highly aware of any difficulties members of his staff may be experiencing.

"He had a fantastic memory for names. When he was at the department he would drive around the schools in his Triumph Mayflower and when he walked in he would know the names of all the teachers."

Mr Garne lived in a pub in Yarnton he had bought and converted into a house before moving to Lambourne to live with his daughter in his later years.

He was a keen spectator and player of cricket for North Oxford Cricket Club and also enjoyed golf, playing regularly at Frilford.

He and his wife Betty had two children, Adrian and Bridget.