A RETIRED priest has died at the age of 88.

Roman Catholic Father Charles Toner from Redcar was a dedicated priest who was conscientious about his ministry, including his delivery of sermons.

He served as a priest at Middlesbrough, where he was also made a dean, and as a parish priest at Ugthorpe, Thirsk and Egton Bridge, North Yorkshire.

Father Toner was visited recently by the Right Reverend John Crowley, Bishop of Middlesbrough, at Nazareth House, Middlesbrough, where he died.

The bishop thanked Father Toner for his faithful service.

Father Toner's body was received into St Joseph's Church, Middlesbrough last night. His funeral will be held today, followed by burial at Ugthorpe.