The Bishop of Worcester has paid tribute to a one of his "most valued colleagues", who died while serving as a holiday chaplain in France.

The Rev Canon Ray Adams, aged 60, the rector of Ipsley Team Ministry in Redditch, died of a suspected heart attack in Royan, where he was serving for the Intercontinental Church Society.

"I am deeply shocked to learn of the death of Ray Adams," said the Bishop, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby.

"It is a rare and remarkable gift when a person serves with such faithfulness in one community and sees it through so many changes and developments.

"He brought to all the groupings of which he was part a wisdom, a learning, and an energy we shall all greatly miss.

"To Tess particularly, with whom Ray shared so much of his ministry, as well as his life, we extend our deepest sympathy and with her and all their family we give thanks for a life lived for God's work."

Canon Adams became a priest in 1968. He served the whole of his ministry in Worcester Diocese, first as curate at Holy Trinity Old Hill and then from 1973 in Ipsley. He was made an honorary canon of Worcester Cathedral in 1984 and became vicar of Ipsley in 1973.

Canon Adams is survived by his wife Tess, daughter Jo and son-in-law Mike, his son Paul, daughter-in-law Avril and grandson Joshua.

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made. The date and time will be posted on the diocesan website, www.cofe-worcester.org.uk