TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to a man who became one of the North-East's first male nurses and then qualified as a priest so that he could conduct services for housebound people.

The Reverend Bob Jackson, who trained as a state enrolled nurse at Darlington Memorial Hospital and later worked at Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle, has died aged 59.

He studied in his spare time at his home in Barnard Castle before being ordained by the St Paul's Mobile Fellowship so he could take services in private houses and homes for the elderly.

His wife, Anne, also a nurse at the Memorial Hospital, said: "Bob was a superb nurse who was loved by the patients and admired by the staff. His whole life revolved round caring for others.

"When he realised many people could not get out to church services he decided to get ordained, so he could visit them. He gave comfort to a great many people in that way."

Mr Jackson had to retire early after having his legs amputated, but relatives still took him to homes for the elderly in a wheelchair to conduct services. He had to give that up after going blind.

His daughter, Angela, said: "He never stopped being a nurse.

When I cut a foot badly a few weeks ago, he insisted on putting a bandage on it, even though he could not see. He did it expertly.

"He was always proud of being one of the first male nurses on the Memorial staff, and then even prouder of acting as a minister and helping lots of people, despite his own health problems."

Mr Jackson was one of the founders of the Barnard Castle History Society and spent much time at his computer researching family history.

He asked that his funeral, which takes place today, at 10.30am, at Barnard Castle United Reformed Church, should be a joyous affair, rather than solemn.

He will be buried wearing his black cassock, white surplice and wooden cross that he always wore while conducting services.

Donations in lieu of flowers will go to Diabetes UK.

Lewis Staley, a lay preacher who will conduct the service, said: "Bob did a lot of good, and I'll make sure it is a joyous occasion to comply with his wishes."