TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known Herefordshire priest, who died after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Father Aidan Doyle, Parish Priest of St. Ethelbert’s, Leominster and St. Joseph’s, Bromyard and a monk of Belmont Abbey died aged 63 on May 27.

Liverpool born Joseph Doyle spent eleven years after leaving school in the catering industry, with the Franciscans as a monk, and then five years nursing in Surrey.

He entered Belmont Abbey as a novice in 1983, spending two years there before going to Rome to study at the Angelicum University.

On his return to Belmont in 1988 he was appointed Infirmarian, School Librarian and Monastic Guest Master.

After the closure of Belmont Abbey School, he became the first Master of Hospitality at Hedley Lodge Guest House, responsible for its administration. During this period, three Hospitality Crowns were granted to Hedley Lodge.

In 1989, he made his Solemn Vows as a Benedictine monk, and in 1991 he was ordained as a Deacon.

He was ordained priest the following year, becoming Dom Aidan Doyle OSB (Order of Saint Benedict).

He went on to become parish priest at Whitehaven, Abertillery, Brynmawr, and finally at Bromyard and Leominster.

Abbot Paul of Belmont Abbey said: “He was a wonderful pastor, who took special care of the sick, dying and bereaved. His words of encouragement were filled with compassion and faith.

"You always came away from any conversation with him feeling better inside and touched by God and Our Lady, to whom he had a greatest devotion. He had a wicked sense of humour and was a brilliant mimic”.

During his final illness, Father Aidan touched everyone he met at the various hospitals and St. Michael’s Hospice with his compassion and humour.

He never complained about his illness and the constant pain he suffered, and it was his earnest hope that he would be restored to full health and return to his priestly duties. However, God had other plans for him.

Father Aidan died at his home in Leominster in the presence of his family and, as always, with his dog at his side – his faithful companion, the beloved Hugo.