Sadness at death of priest, 68

A popular and long-serving priest, who spent his ministry within the Diocese of Lichfield, has died.

The Reverend Prebendary John Widdas was 68 and had suffered a long illness.

He died on Wednesday at his home in Alrewas, near Lichfield, leaving a wife, Annette, and three children.

Close friend the Reverend Prebendary Roger Vaughan has paid tribute.

"He will be greatly missed by his family and countless people whose lives were influenced by his friendship and ministry," said Rev Preb Vaughan. "Our sympathies are extended to Annette, their three children, Mark, David and Rachel, and their families."

Rev Preb Widdas's longest term of service in any parish was at St Chad's in Lichfield where he was for 12 years.

For nine years of his time at St Chad's he was also rural dean of Lichfield.

In 1980, halfway through his St Chad's ministry, he was made a Prebendary of Lichfield Cathedral.

The funeral will take place on December 21 at All Saints Church in Alrewas at 11.15am.