A SERVICE is being held tomorrow for a popular church man who died, aged 53.

Father Michael Joseph Walsh, who died peacefully at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, had been acting parish priest of Sacred Heart Church, Blackburn Road, Accrington, for nine months following a four-month stint at St Anne's, in Cobham Road, Accrington.

He had gone through a period of illness brought on by diabetes, during which time he returned to live with his parents, Christine Mary Walsh and Cornelius Walsh, in Littleborough.

But his health did not recover and he was poorly throughout his time in the borough.

His death, after he was admitted to hospital last Thursday, is believed to be connected with diabetes disease.

His mother said: "Maybe he went back to work too soon but he was bored, and he always put other people before himself.

"People saw him as being there for them when they needed him, and if they were in any kind of trouble. He was very friendly, approachable, kind and loving. He would be there for anyone, regardless of who they were and would give everything that was possible for him.

"But if the many cards and letters we've had are anything to go by he will be remembered most for his cheerfulness." Prior to joining the priesthood Fr Walsh worked as a shipping clerk in Felixstowe from the age of 17.

When he was 28 he was asked to show the new parish priest around his local church of St Agnes in Eastbourne and after talking with him realised that he too would like to join the priesthood.

After six years training in Surrey he began at his first parish St Mary of the Angels in Worthing.

Father David James Lupton, dean of St Bede's Deanery, said: "When he breezed into this deanery and had a great effect on everyone.

"He was only here a short time and yet he had a great impact as he wanted the people to be more involved with the work of the church and they responded to him.

"He was a very warm person and a great lover of people who will be sadly missed."

A reception and requiem mass is to be held at Sacred Heart Church, Blackburn Road, Accrington, tonight at 7.30pm.

There will be a leaving ceremony from the church tomorrow at 12.30pm.

Solemn requiem mass will take place in the church of Saint Mary of the Annunciation, Littleborough tomorrow at 2pm followed by interment at Dearnley Cemetery, Littleborough at 3.30pm.