Hundreds of students have turned out to say their final goodbyes to a beloved teacher from a Southampton college who died at the age of 51.

A funeral service was held yesterday for Itchen Sixth Form College's director of curriculum for sport and protective services, Glenn Colmer.

While Glenn’s coffin was transported to the East Chapel of Southampton Crematorium, the procession passed by Itchen College for students and staff to say their final farewell.

At 1.15pm on Friday, March 28, silent and teary-eyed pupils began to clap and cheer for their former teacher who has had a hand in the careers of scores of accomplished sportspeople, including Olympians.

(Image: NQ) Students lined each side of the college on Middle Road, hugging and supporting each other as the 51-year-old passed by Itchen for the final time.

A former student, who lived with his family in Bitterne, Glenn had been at Itchen for more than 20 years and was a father of two.

He is even credited for transforming the college's sports academy, making it one of the very best around and attracting students from all over the country.

READ MORE: 'Best' Southampton school praised by Ofsted

Among those alumni he helped during his career were ex-Saints defender Aaron Martin, Olympic marathon runner Mahamed Mahamed, boxing champion Ryan Garner and NBA basketballer Jeremy Sochan.

A spokesperson for Itchen College said: “Glenn was a brilliant colleague, a fantastic teacher, coach and leader, and set very high standards for himself, his department, his teams and his students, but always in a cheerful, human and common-sense way. He always achieved those standards.”

Students supported each other outside the college Students supported each other outside the college (Image: NQ) In a touching tribute shared on Facebook, former colleague Vicky Milner said: “Words cannot express my sadness - we are going to miss him so much, a massive hole has been left.

“The greatest boss you could ask for but more importantly a friend, who had a massive influence on me and so many more.

“You don’t come across many great leaders - I have been fortunate enough to be in his team for 17 years and have learnt so much.

“Glenn’s ability to make you feel valued, inspired and one of the team is unmatched. You wanted to do him proud every day because you knew he believed in you.”