Many Llanover residents will have fond memories of local teacher David McLean, who died in Romania last summer after a short illness, aged 76.

Known affectionately by parents and pupils alike as Mr Maclean - both spelt and pronounced that way, like the toothpaste! - he will be remembered as an inspirational teacher with a terrific sense of humour.

Mrs Barbara Thomas, former Head of Llanover School, recalls that from playing the part of Goliath, when his appearance in assembly terrified the unfortunate pupil who had volunteered to play David, to his inspiring science lessons and enthusiasm for technology, he made teaching and learning fun.

“In contrast to his IT skills, he had a wonderful copper plate style of hand-writing, always with fountain pen, and a unique gift of wit with the written word,” she said.

“He particularly loved poetry and history.”

As a member of Gwyl Plant, he taught the Llanover Reel which the pupils, in traditional dress, danced every St David’s Day in Llanover, sometimes in Abergavenny and at the Eisteddfod at Tredegar House.

It was this love of Welsh music and dancing that took him, with Gwyl Plant, to a folk festival in Romania one summer holiday in the 1990s, where he met and fell in love with Maria.

He also fell in love with Transylvania with its mediaeval towns, castles and mountains and knew that that this beautiful region, with its sense of timelessness and community, was where one day he wanted to make his home.

His love of Transylvania is apparently shared by the Prince of Wales who has bought two properties in the area, which he visits regularly.

Mr Maclean and Maria were married in Wales and for a while lived between the two countries, with Maria adding a unique dimension to the curriculum at Llanover school by teaching everyone about life in her home country.

“Mr Maclean regularly drove the 1,700 miles across eight countries in his little Fiat Panda to arrive back just in time for a new school term,” said Barbara. “What better way to teach geography?”

The couple finally sold up and went to live permanently in Romania ten years ago, but Mr Maclean continued to make the epic journey back to Wales on an annual basis to see friends and family.

The Maclean’s home in Transylvania - which, to the children’s delight, was not far from Dracula’s castle! - was a traditional one, with an allotment garden where they grew most of their fruit and veg, kept chickens and bees and made their own wine.

Mr Maclean, who had always been an animal lover, used to feed the street dogs regularly and rescued two of them - Borcus and Rita - building them their own designer kennels with stained glass windows!

He also had seven cats and a goat called Esmeralda which he bought from the local market to save from the pot.

He had a pet lamb too, known as Lambert, who had been abandoned in the local woods and was saved from the wolves.

“He was a unique teacher with a lot of personality,” said Barbara. “It was the measure of the man that at his funeral, the whole village of Bazna turned out to bid him farewell.”

Mr Maclean leaves two sons David Jnr and Timothy - of whom he was immensely proud - and two grandchildren.

The family say they would love to hear from any past pupils and parents associated with Llanover school, which always held such a special place in his heart.

You can write to his widow Maria at: COD 557030, Bazna 210, Jud Sibiu, Romania.