A PUPIL of late teacher Martin du Sautoy has told of how he once recorded her cough to show her how annoying it was.
Mr du Sautoy, a former Deputy Mayor of Derby, was found dead at his Allestree home two days before Christmas at the age of 73.
Derby's Conservative leader, Philip Hickson, and UKIP leader Steve Fowke have already paid their tributes. Now his ex-students have been paying their respects.
Christine Walker attended Derby's St Thomas More RC School from 1974 to 1979. Mr du Sautoy taught her English for three years.
Mrs Walker, 52, of Church Lane, Darley Abbey, has fond memories of the time they spent together.
She said: "I had a really bad cough once and it was getting on his nerves. He decided to bring in a tape recorder and played it in front of the whole class to show me how silly it sounded. You didn't really get many teachers like that."
This is not the only memory Mrs Walker has of her old teacher.
Mr du Sautoy, who would have been 74 yesterday, was also the owner of a Mini Metro and she remembers him as one of the first people to buy one when the model came out.
She said: "It was really funny. He used to drive it into school.
"He was quite a big bloke and it was such a little car, so it was funny seeing him in it.
"He was a lovely man. He was well respected and we all enjoyed his classes."
Mrs Walker was not the only St Thomas More pupil to pay their respects.
Derbyshire Detective Sergeant Debbie King was also taught English by Mr du Sautoy from 1975 to 1980.
She remembers how he remained a popular figure despite the fact that he was not afraid to lay down the law when necessary.
She said: "I remember him being a witty, knowledgeable and very inspiring teacher.
"I know he went on to greater things after teaching at St Thomas More School but the contribution he made there was huge and he was respected and liked by the pupils.
"Even when he had to be firm with some pupils from time to time, they still respected him."
Michael Stack, another former pupil, added that he was an inspiration to all he taught.
The 50-year-old, who now lives in New York, said: "He was always a joy to listen to as he analysed books and subsequently made it fun for his pupils to go to his class and talk about them.
"There were other teachers who ruled by fear but not him. It was always a pleasure to go to his class and deliver homework to him."
Mr du Sautoy enjoyed a successful career in politics after teaching at St Thomas More and later at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy, as it is now called.
He was chairman of the planning committee when the Conservatives were in control of the city council.
He stood for UKIP at the elections in 2012 and last year for the seat in Allestree and Darley.
He was also a devoted Derbyshire County Cricket fan and took a keen interest in the most popular names given to babies in Derby each year.
Every day, he would note down the forenames given to babies in the announcements page of the Derby Telegraph. At the end of each year, he produced a list of the most popular names.
Mr du Sautoy's wife, Rae, died four years ago. His funeral is to be held at Markeaton Crematorium on Friday, January 30, from noon.
