TRIBUTES have been paid today to the Venerable David Brierley, Archdeacon of Sudbury, who has died after a heart attack.

TRIBUTES have been paid today to the Venerable David Brierley, Archdeacon of Sudbury, who has died after a heart attack.

The 55-year-old passed away on Saturday near his home at Great Welnetham, near Bury St Edmunds.

He was appointed Archdeacon of Sudbury in 2006 having joined from Bradford after previously serving in the Manchester diocese.

Rt Revd Nigel Stock, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, said: “David was an inspiration to the parishes and clergy in the west of the county, and a valued colleague and friend.

“He cared deeply about the mission of the Church in the 21st century. He was an innovative thinker, helping many parishes to arrive at fresh ways of serving their local communities. David was also a great mediator.”

He is survived by his wife Gill and two grown up children.