TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who spent decades dedicated to the spiritual well-being of countless Redditch and Bromsgrove people.

The Rev Canon David Rogers, who was the vicar at St Leonard's Beoley for more than 20 years, died recently, aged 69, just days after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.

Rev Rogers served as curate in Astwood Bank with Crabbs Cross from 1975-79 and after a time as vicar in Cradley Heath came to St Leonard’s in 1990.

He was Rural Dean of Bromsgrove from 2000 to 2006 and team rector of Holy Trinity Parish incorporating St Stephen’s in the town centre, Webheath, St George’s and Tardebigge.

After his retirement in 2013, he continued to minister at St Martin’s in Worcester.

The Rev Paul Lawlor, vicar at St Stephen’s Redditch and town centre chaplain with Faith at Work in Worcestershire, said: "For many people in Redditch David Rogers epitomised what it is to be a Church of England vicar.

"White haired, gently spoken and a man with a pastoral heart he touched the lives of numerous families here in the town.

"David took a great many weddings, baptisms and funerals and he supported and helped many people sharing his deep and gentle faith. He will be greatly missed."

The Bishop of Worcester, Rt Revd Dr John Inge, said: "I give thanks for David and for the way in which his life has touched very many people for good and for God.

"May he be welcomed into the loving arms of the Lord he served so faithfully. Please pray for David, his partner, in his loss.”

The funeral will be at St Martin’s Worcester on Thursday, August 31 at 11am.

A book of condolence is available during the week in the Christian Word Book Shop in St Stephen’s and at St Leonard’s on Sundays.