A MAN who was found dead after going missing was a retired vicar who served a 'long and distinguished career' in the Church.

Tributes have been paid to 88-year-old James 'Jim' Spence from Wallingford, after police found a body in a field near the town yesterday.

Police said they believed the man they found was Mr Spence, who had gone missing the previous day.

The Bishop of Dorchester has released a statement remembering Mr Spence, who was better known as Jim.

The Rt Revd Colin Fletcher said: “We were deeply saddened by the news of the death of the Revd Jim Spence.

"He was a faithful clergyman and was well known and loved as the Vicar of Greyfriars, Reading, and more recently as an Honorary Assistant Priest in Wallingford.

"He had a long and distinguished career and will be deeply missed.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time."

A Facebook post on the Wallingford Church of England Team page repeated the bishop's tribute, and shared a photo of Mr Spence celebrating 50 years of ordained ministry in the Church of England.

Several members of the congregation commented on the post, describing him as an 'amazing man'.

One person commented: "I met him often out walking over the years and he was always smartly dressed, polite and cheerful - a real gentleman. May he rest in peace."

Eileen Whitehorn sent a tribute to the Oxford Mail, in which she described Mr Spence as 'a lovely Godly man'.

She added: "He was a good speaker and helped with the Alpha course a few years ago.

"Thoughts and prayers for the family at this time. In Glory now with his Lord and Savior."

Keen walker Mr Spence was reported missing in the early hours of Thursday morning after he did not return from a walk. 

A Facebook page called Find Jim Spence was set up to help police track him down, and gained 570 members in the space of 24 hours.

His death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. 

If you knew Mr Spence and would like to pay tribute, please get in touch.