Two former Canons of Bradford Cathedral have died on the same day.

The well-respected clergymen, who both also served in the Skipton area, passed away on Friday, December 21.

Canon Maurice Slaughter became Vicar at Skipton’s Christ Church in 1963 and rural dean ten years later.

In 1978 he became Priest in Charge at the Priory Church of Bolton Abbey, where funds were raised to restore the West Tower which had previously stood bare for four centuries.

A memorial service for the 92-year-old will be held at the Priory Church on Thursday, January 24, at noon.

Canon Christopher Martineau was Rector at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, from 1965 to 1983 until he retired first to Utley, near Keighley, and then to Ledbury, in Herefordshire, with his wife Margaret to be nearer family. Mrs Martineau died a few months before him.

The current Rector, Canon Adrian Botwright, said: “Christopher was a holy man, a man of deep spirituality, prayerfulness and remarkable insightfulness. He had a great influence on the lives of many for whom he cared during his time in Skipton and the fruits of his ministry continue to flourish today.

“He remained active until very recently, taking services and writing poetry, and last June celebrated the 71st anniversary of his taking Holy Orders.”

The Rev Martineau was known to love gardening and enjoy the outdoor life.

He went trekking with his wife in Nepal when they were in their seventies and they made their last camping expedition to northern Spain when he was 80.