A ‘WONDERFUL’ priest who served in East Lancashire for more than 30 years has been praised by those who knew him following his death.

Father Terence Schofield, who died at a Crawshaw Hall Medical Centre and Nursing Home, served the region at five churches.

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Throughout his priesthood, Fr Schofield served the Diocese of Salford at St Peter’s RC Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Succour RC church in Blackburn, St James the Less in Rawtenstall, St Joseph’s RC church in Darwen and Holy Trinity RC Church in Brierfield.

Fr Schofield grew up in Colne and attended Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School.

The 69-year-old, who retired in 2004, spent two years as a parish priest for Burnley General Hospital.

Father Chris Gorton, from Sacred Heart Church in Colne, said he knew Fr Schofield well and he would be sorely missed by many.

He said: “He was a wonderful, kind man who’s faith was extremely important to him.

“There are many people who will have their own special memories.

“He was very much part of our family within the parish and a great help to me personally.

“Without his help the amalgamation of Holy Saviour, Sacred Heart and SS Peter and Paul would have been much harder.

“In particular he ensured that there was a mass in each of the churches on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday and I know that he enjoyed being part of the parish.

“Through his willingness to say yes to God he has touched many people’s lives in his own inimitable way.

“He also had a wicked sense of humour.”

Fr Schofield also spent time as a police chaplain for Burnley Police.

A spokesman for the diocese said: “It is with sadness that we learned of his death. He was a much loved member of the diocese and will be dearly missed.”

Andrew Stephenson, Pendle’s MP said: “ I am saddened to hear about the death of Fr Terrence Schofield.

“He was a longstanding member of our community and clergyman and will be sorely missed.”