Tributes paid to primary school headteacher killed in collision on Dorset road

Paul Miller, 46, headteacher of the St Andrew’s CE Primary School in Yetminster, was the cyclist who died in a crash between Weirs roundabout and Loders Garage on the B3147 at 6.43pm on Thursday.

Mr Miller leaves behind a wife and three daughters.

He has been described as a ‘very well respected headmaster’ who will be missed by all who knew him.

Dorchester town councillor David Taylor, who taught at St Andrew’s CE Primary School when Mr Miller was headteacher, said: “Paul helped me a lot with my teaching role at the school, and he was a very, very well respected headmaster at St Andrew’s, and as a member of the community across Dorset.

“He achieved outstanding Ofsted results for the school and delivered a school of first class quality.

“I am devastated for his family, and my thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.”

Mr Miller’s family said in a statement: “We are devastated to announce Paul’s death in a tragic cycling accident on the evening of Thursday,” the statement from Mr Miller’s family reads.

“Paul and his family have lived in Dorchester for four years and Paul worked as headteacher of St Andrew’s Primary School in Yetminster.

“Paul was a keen cyclist and avid music and rugby fan. He will be much missed by all who knew him. Paul’s wife and three daughters are being comforted by family and friends and request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident.

A spokesman said: “A 46-year-old man was cycling towards the town when he was struck from behind by a black-coloured Fiat travelling in the same direction.

"The driver of the Fiat car, a 62-year-old man from Dorchester, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Dorset County Hospital, where his condition is described as stable."

Witnesses and anyone with information about the collision should call PC Tim Gooding on 101, quoting incident reference number 8:349