Villagers have been left stunned by the sudden death of their former vicar.

The Reverend Tom Allen, who left Christ Church at Oakworth, Keighley, in May to take up a post with the Mission to Seafarers in Scotland, has died aged 51.

He had served at Oakworth since 2001 and was also vicar of nearby St John’s at News-holme.

The Rev June Marks, curate at Christ Church, said the whole congregation was shocked by Mr Allen’s death.

She paid tribute to the popular father-of-two, saying: “He recognised that I had the calling – as he did in other people too – and gave me great encouragement and support through my training.

“He worked painstakingly obtaining funding for the restoration of the church building. That will be one of his greatest legacies.”

Mr Allen was also well loved at Oakworth Primary School, where he was regularly involved in assemblies.

Head teacher Adrian Francis said: “Tom would come to the school for assembly every Wednesday. He had a particularly unique, informal style. He was extremely popular.”

Mr Allen, a former rock musician, was ordained in 1998 and was assistant curate at Mirfield Parish Church before taking up the post at Christ Church.

He spent 20 years as a youth worker in Leeds, London and Blackburn. He leaves a wife, Anne, and two teenage children, Katherine and Matthew.