VISITORS to Hereford Cathedral paid their respects to former South African president and world leader Nelson Mandela who died yesterday, while the Bishop of Ludlow, currently leading the diocese of Hereford paid tribute to a "legend".

A picture of the anti-apartheid activist and politician, who spent nearly 30 years in prison and emerged to play a pivotal role in uniting his country was set up in the cathedral, and candles were lit, giving people the opportunity to pay their respects.

The Right Reverend Alistair Magowan, Bishop of Ludlow said:"We all share a tangible sense of loss following the death of Nelson Mandela.  Very few statesmen become legends in their own lifetime but Mandela is one. 

"Time will tell, but it is almost certain that history will record him as one of the great political leaders of the 20th Century. 

"Very few human beings would withstand the trials of imprisonment and hard service that Mandela experienced. 

"To come out of prison alive after 27 years is itself extraordinary.  Many of those years were in hard service and confinement on Robben Island which he endured without being broken, bitter or vengeful. 

"Nelson Mandela not only survived but seemed to grow as a human being. Despite being subject to hatred and oppression he became more fully a person of strong character which he harnessed to further peace and reconciliation.

"For me it is the way in which he exuded forgiveness, truth and reconciliation that ultimately mark him out as exceptional and inspirational."