A RETIRED priest from Essex who has been writing hymns for more than 50 years has seen a collection of his work published.

A RETIRED priest from Essex who has been writing hymns for more than 50 years has seen a collection of his work published.

Canon Patrick Appleford attended a special launch of his new book at Chelmsford Cathedral on Saturday during a musical get-together.

Canon Appleford was the Dean of Lusaka Cathedral in Zambia before taking on the role of director of education in the diocese of Chelmsford for 15 years.

Cathedral spokesman Tony Allen said Canon Appleford was a “well-known” writer of hymns throughout the Church of England network.

He said: “All the churches in Essex and East Anglia know him. He's been writing for 50 years and his best known hymn is Lord Jesus Christ.”

Canon Appleford, who lives in retirement in Chelmsford, spent time during the event taking part in a musical presentation by organist Eric Withams and tenor Simon Warne of the cathedral choir.

Signed copies of the book, The Hymns of Patrick Appleford, published by Kevin Mayhew, are available now at the cathedral, priced £6.99.