TRIBUTES poured in for a young Bispham priest whose body was being flown to a final resting place in his native Bermuda today (June 3).

The Rev James Morley, of All Hallows C of E Church, Bispham, died last Friday (May 28) at the age of 40 after suffering from a brain tumour for just over a year.

Mr Morley had done a variety of jobs, including being an airline steward, before training for the priesthood in his 30s.

He came to Bispham with his wife, Kim - also from Bermuda - three years ago when he was first appointed curate, establishing a flourishing after-school Bible study meeting for teenagers, helping steer the Christian Union at Blackpool and the Fylde College as well as shouldering a large part of traditional parish duties.

His rector, the Rev Dr Simon Cox, who led the funeral service on Tuesday (June 1), said Mr Morley had won many friends among parishioners.

"We all wish we could have had the pleasure of his company for another 40 years," he said. "James had a very clear vision of proclaiming the gospel and never shirked work, even when he was ill his longing was to get back to work."

The Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Rev Alan Chesters, said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of James' death. He was a young and vibrant priest whose ministry, particularly to young people in the Blackpool area, meant so much to so many. Our prayers are with James' wife, Kim, his family and his parish as we remember his life and work in that community."

Rural Dean of Blackpool the Rev Michael Wood said: "It's always sad when you lose a colleague and especially when it is a young colleague. The parish loved him dearly and he was especially treasured by the young people in the parish."

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