A PLAQUE in honour of an inspirational teacher was unveiled outside his former home in Malvern at the weekend.

The blue plaque, at 22 Alexandra Road, commemorated the life of George Sayer, who taught at Malvern College for nearly 30 years, and was also close friends with writers C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien, who he was at Oxford with.

Over 60 people, including Mr Sayer's widow, family members, and many of his former pupils, attended the unveiling.

Historian John Harcup spoke at the unveiling, as did Bradley Wells of the college.

Jane Owen, who now lives in the house, said: "We have only lived in the house since January, having returned from Surrey to our Worcestershire roots after over 30 years.

"We feel very privileged to own a property that is part of the country's literary heritage. Tolkien made a number of adjustments to his works in the house.

"Interestingly, the house is directly opposite the house that Elgar spent nine years of his life in, composing Enigma Variations in its garden, apparently, so quite an area for Malvern cultural history."

The plaque was installed by Malvern Civic Society.