POPULAR Tetbury parish priest Monsignor William Mitchell has died at the age of 74.

Affectionately known as Fr Bill, he had been priest at the town’s St Michael's Roman Catholic Church since 2001 and had an illustrious career in the priesthood.

He died at his home on August 29 after suffering for some years with a heart condition.

His brother Michael paid tribute to his personal qualities. "He got on with everybody," he said. "He was great with children and particularly good for people in trouble - he really was the most sympathetic man. He was right in the heart of everything in the town and so pleased to come to Tetbury."

He said Mgr Mitchell had a natural talent for languages and was fluent in French and Italian. He also loved his cricket, teaching many students the game while working in Rome.

Sarah Cornell, one of his regular parishioners in Tetbury, said: "He had friends all over the world, everyone who met him became his friend."

Carol Hancock, chairman of St Michael's Parochial Church Council, added: "We as a parish will miss him greatly. He was very special and much loved by us all."

Bishop of Clifton, Rt Rev Declan Lang, commented: "Monsignor Mitchell served the diocese generously for many years in parishes throughout the diocese and at the Cathedral. His ministry included administration within the diocese particularly in the marriage tribunal. He served the wider church through his time as Rector of The Beda College in Rome. Many people will be grateful for the pastoral care which he gave."

Born in Bristol in 1936, he studied law at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, and attended the seminary of St Sulpice in Paris prior to his ordination to the priesthood on June 25 1961 at the Pro Cathedral, Clifton, Bristol.

Following his ordination he studied Canon Law in Rome, where he returned in 1975 as rector at the Beda College after a long stint in Bristol. Between 1987 and 2001 he was Vicar General of the diocese and in 1997 Bishop Mervyn Alexander appointed him as the administrator at the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul, Clifton.

Then in December 2002 Bishop Declan Lang appointed him Vicar Judicial and Episcopal Vicar for matrimonial matters following the death of Monsignor Joseph Buckley.

The funeral takes place tomorrow at 12pm at St Mary's Church, Tetbury.