A VERGER died the day after he celebrated 50 years in the role at his county church.

A resident of Much Dewchurch for much of his life, Don Preece looked after St David's church along with his wife, Brenda.

On Sunday, the church's congregation held an afternoon of celebrations to mark his 50th anniversary as verger.

But he sadly died suddenly at around 6am the following morning, aged 89.

St David's Church PCC has paid tribute to a man who will be "greatly missed in the village and church".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow, Brenda," the tribute said.

Sunday's celebration included an initial summary and thanks from the archdeacon followed by the presentation of an inscribed wafer box for use in the church.

Mr Preece also received a cheque and a certificate in recognition of his membership of the bell ringers’ guild for 50 years.

A quarter peel was later rung on the bells that have been Mr Preece's pride and joy for so many years.

"In all his years as verger, Mr Preece has locked and unlocked the church daily, except the rare times that he and Brenda went on holiday," the tribute said.

"They have kept the church clean and prepared for services and Mr Preece took pride in the fact he could arrange flowers just as well as the women."

He has also overseen larger projects, including the re-roofing of the church and, after retirement, his aim was to re-hang the bells on a new steel frame, a task which he largely performed himself in 1992.

Part of the celebration on Sunday included a 'Desert Island Discs' style reflection on Mr Preece's life during which he spoke about his great love of music and singing, intermixed with favourite tracks.

"Don and his efforts over the years were clearly appreciated," the tribute added.

"It was all the more sad, then, that Don passed away suddenly at 6am the following morning."