THE FUNERAL service for one of the country's longest serving priests will be held in Bramhope next week.

Canon John Clayton, whose ministry spanned eight decades, died at Ashcroft House care home, in the village, on April 28 aged 106.

A former Vicar of Otley, he was still actively involved - preaching and leading Holy Communion - in services at St Giles Church, Bramhope up until his 100th year.

The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines, led a special service in the village in July, 2016 to celebrate Canon Clayton's 105th birthday and his 80th year as an ordained minister.

Bishop Nick praised Canon Clayton at the time, saying: "I imagine this will be the one and only time I conduct such a service.

"The dates are all remarkable – Canon Clayton was born in Leeds in 1911, so he was five when the Battle of the Somme took place.

"He had retired before I left school."

Paying tribute, he said: "In 2016 I had the privilege of helping Canon John Clayton celebrate his 105th birthday and 80 years of ministry.

"His dedication and longevity were remarkable.

"He will be remembered for his extraordinarily long and faithful ministry, for which we are very grateful."

Canon Clayton trained at Wells Theological College and was ordained at Wakefield Cathedral in 1935. His first curacy was at St John Dewsbury Moor.

During his ministry he served as a parish priest in churches across the current Anglican Diocese of Leeds.

He was appointed Vicar of Otley in 1965 and became Canon of Bradford Cathedral in 1967, and Rural Dean of Otley in 1969.

He retired to live in Bramhope in 1976, but remained active in the local church until 2014.

Canon Clayton rated being involved in the installation of the very first Chevin Cross above Otley, in 1968 - to spread the Easter message - as one of his proudest achievements.

Reflecting upon reaching his 105th year, he said: "I have loved working for the Church, and I’ve never been bored – people are very interesting, occasionally a little naughty and, more often than not, very lovable."

Canon Clayton's funeral service will be conducted by the Reverend Janice Smith at St Giles Church at 1pm on Thursday, May 17.