FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to a dedicated village priest.

The Reverend Ralph Thomas, of Firby Road, Bedale, died aged 81 on October 31, after suffering a stroke.

The former vicar of Kirklington, near Masham, met his wife, Norma, while studying at St David's College, in Lampeter, Wales, before being ordained in 1951.

Previously, Mr Thomas served with the Gurkhas in the British Indian Army.

His career with the Church included spells in Blackpool, and as a minister at Wandsworth Prison, in London, and Armley Prison, in Leeds.

Mrs Thomas, 74, described her husband as a lovely man who was dedicated to the church.

"We met when I was in the sixth-form and have been together for a long, long time," she said.

"He was meticulous with his church services and, although he prepared his sermons, he would never use notes. He had a wonderful singing voice and was full of fun and laughter."

The couple had three children Sophie, Jamie and Robert.

Mr Thomas took up the position of vicar at the parish of Kirklington with Burneston, Wath and Pickhill, in 1974, and was made rural dean of Wensley in 1985, before retiring in 1988.

After his retirement, the couple moved to Suffolk, but returned to Bedale five years ago.

Friend and retired priest Geoff Sowerby, 69, of Bedale, said: "He was a good, hard-working and faithful priest, who always had a concern for young people. He would always call them boys and girls, rather than children.

"His life revolved around the church and his family."

Mr Thomas' funeral was held at St Michael's Church, in Kirklington, on Friday.