RIP David Yarnell: Family at Atherstone's world-famous care home 'clap for their hero' as they send love skyward to honour passing of musical maestro

MEREVALE HOUSE CHOSE THURSDAY NIGHT SALUTE FOR 'LIFT-OFF' TRIBUTE AS RETIRED HEADMASTER ACKNOWLEDGED KEY WORKERS EVERY WEEK

'THE LOSS OF THIS INTELLIGENT AND FUNNY MAN WILL LEAVE A BIG GAP IN OUR HEARTS'

THE FAMILY of Atherstone's internationally-recognised residential home for dementia care gave one of its own a poignant "up, up and away" send-off last night as the town took to the doorstep for the ninth week in a row to salute NHS key workers.

Staff and people at Merevale House let off balloons at the weekly #ClapForCarers in a fitting tribute to talented retired headmaster David Yarnell who died earlier in the week.

The 80-year-old was admired by everyone who came into contact with him at the Old Watling Street home as an "intelligent and funny man" with an incredible gift for music.

He regularly gave impromptu jamming sessions on the electronic piano – mixing styles and era – and performed with music, or played 'by ear'.

A statement on the home's Facebook page read: "A very sad week at Merevale.

"We have lost a wonderful man who was intelligent, funny and a massive part of our family.

"He will be missed by us all. Such a fantastic man who certainly kept us on our toes at times."

The home, which has won an array of awards for innovation and best practice as well as winning global recognition at a G8 summit discussion on dementia during David Cameron's time as UK prime minister, posted a clip of his exceptional piano skills online.

As the balloons floated skyward, the home explained it chose Thursday night to honour his contribution to the Merevale House family because he went outside and clapped "every week" for the NHS carers and key workers.

Tributes poured in for the former education chief.

Simone Knowles said: What a character" while staff member Kayleigh-Ann Wagstaff added that he "always managed to put a smile on my face every time I came in for a shift".

Another Merevale House staff member, Laura Robeson, said: "Will miss you spending hours with us night staff telling all the stories. God bless."

Anna Matthews posted: "He was an amazing pianist. The first time I heard him play, I was shocked."

Judith Linford added: "David was always so friendly and had such a talent too."

Julie Puds summed up the tribute: "He will be sadly missed along with his fantastic talent.

"He will leave a big gap in our hearts."