A DEDICATED parish priest, who served Kidderminster for 16 years after retiring from a long ministry in London, has lost his battle against cancer.

Rev Michael Foizey, had been ill for several months, and the 81-year-old died in Kidderminster Hospital on Monday, October 10.

His funeral takes place today at Holy Innocents Church, Foley Park, and will be conducted by his nephew, Rev Anthony Allsop.

Mr Foizey, whose father was a priest in Caldmore, near Walsall, grew up in Wolverhampton, and enjoyed a ministry in London spanning 42 years, having graduated in theology from Trinity College, Cambridge.

He was a parish priest in Willesden, London Docks, Wapping and Ealing and in 1983 became a prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral, a position he retained in an honorary capacity after his retirement.

Mr Foizey, of Birmingham Road, moved to Kidderminster to be near his sister until her death a few years ago, and became a regular assistant with the town's West Team Ministry.

Canon Rev Harold Goddard said: "He was a dedicated parish priest and also had a great interest in music, drama and travel.

"He took tours abroad and only earlier this year took a group to Greece. He had a great knowledge about classical places such as Greece, Italy and the Holy Land."

He added that Mr Foizey, a member of the town's Classical Music Society, had been "very brave" during his illness.