Monsignor Patrick Corrigan, who has died aged 81, was the longest-serving parish priest in the history of St John's Roman Catholic Church in Banbury.

He died in The Horton Hospital on Wednesday, after suffering a short illness.

Mgr Corrigan, known as Monsy to his parishioners, came to the town in 1962, and retired just after his 80th birthday.

Many people may remember him as the secure rock of Catholic education in Banbury.

He was one of the founders of Blessed George Napier School, and worked to secure a new site for St John's Primary School.

He was the Roman Catholic chaplain to The Horton for nearly 40 years, and was always on hand to comfort patients and relatives.

Having studied at the Seminary in Birmingham, Mgr Corrigan was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Birmingham in 1946.

His first appointment as a priest was in Leamington Spa.

In Banbury, he was involved in scouting and received the Silver Arrow from the Queen in recognition of his service. He was one of the first youth officers appointed by the diocese in the 1950s.

Mgr Corrigan loved to travel and was the diocesan pilgrimage organiser, running trips to Rome, Spain, and France.

He was a frequent visitor to the Holy Land and went to Lourdes every year for 50 years.

A Book of Condolences has been opened in St John's Church.

A funeral mass and reception for Mgr Corrigan was held on July 8 at St John's.