TRIBUTES have been paid to The Reverend Canon Wilfrid Tymms, who carried out services to parishes and communities in the North-East for more than 50 years.

Mr Tymms died on November 2, aged 86. He was born in Witton-le-Wear, County Durham, in 1918 and, following the death of his mother in 1921, was brought up by his father and stepmother in parishes from Gateshead to Billingham, on Teesside.

He started his ministry in the Church of England as a curate in Gateshead.

After he worked in Cambridge and married his partner, Dorothy, he spent five years in South Africa.

Returning in 1953, Mr Tymms spent six years in Blaydon before he moved to Stockton, where he is remembered with affection.

In 1971, he moved to Middleton-St-George, near Darlington, and was later appointed Residentiary Canon of Durham Cathedral, which he held until 1983.

He enjoyed an active retirement in Gainford, near Darlington, with his wife, who died in 1999.

A statement from his family said: "During his life, he touched many people in the parishes through his ministry, and many people will be sorry to learn of his passing."

His funeral service will be in Durham Cathedral at 2pm on November 15.