A MAN who devoted almost 30 years to enhancing the religious life of Redditch died suddenly on Friday.

The Rev Canon Ray Adams, rector of Ipsley Team, died from a suspected heart attack in Royan, France, where he was serving as a holiday chaplain for the Intercontinental Church Society. His wife, Tess, was with him.

Sixty-year-old Canon Adams became vicar of Ipsley in 1973 and was responsible for starting the Team Ministry there.

He built up St Peter's in Ipsley and oversaw the development of the wider parish, including St John's Greenlands, Christchurch Matchborough and a church plant in St Peter's School.

His other roles included chairman of the Redditch Group Ministry, chairman of governors of Ipsley Middle School, chairman of the House of Clergy in the diocese and vice-president of the diocesan synod.

The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby, said the news of his valued colleague's death had come as a great shock.

Canon Adams also leaves a daughter, Jo, a son, Paul, and grandson Joshua.

Funeral arrangements will be posted on the diocesan website at www.cofe-worcester.org.uk when confirmed.