Former headteacher and poet Pawlu Aquilina has passed away.

The National Book Council said Mr Aquilina was at the forefront in the struggle for the advancement of Maltese language and poetry.

He had two collections of poetry printed: Mill-Beraħ ta’ l-Għelieqi and Erġa’ Semmagħli l-Għanja. He loved his native town Siggiewi and did not fail to write about it and to participate in several local associations. A few years ago he published the book Hawn Twieldet u Tħabbat Qalbi.

The council expressed its condolences to his relatives and all those who would miss his energetic presence in the fields he loved so much.