TRIBUTES have been paid to a much loved clergyman who died at the age of 96.

The Rev Donald Griffith died at the Don Thomson Care home in Dovercourt earlier this month.

He was the vicar of Bradfield until his retirement in 1982 having formerly been the rector at Lawford.

Mr Griffith, who was ordained in 1942, worked in Manchester and Liverpool before becoming a rector for Frating in 1958.

From 1966 to 1973 he was the rector of Lawford and during that time also served on the parish council.

He was then appointed rector of Theydon Garnon near Epping before spending five years in Bradfield prior to his retirement.

His son David said: β€œHe was somebody who was always very interested in family and his children growing up – he always looked forward to seeing them."