Villagers have been left stunned by the sudden death of their former vicar.

The Rev Tom Allen, who left Christ Church, at Oakworth, in May to take up a post with the Mission to Seafarers in Scotland, died this week aged 51.

He had served at Oakworth since 2001 and was also vicar of St John’s, Newsholme.

The Rev June Marks, curate at Christ Church, said the whole congregation was shocked by Mr Allen’s death. And she paid tribute to the popular father-of-two.

“He recognised that I had the calling — as he did in other people too — and gave me great encouragement and support through my training,” she said.

“He worked painstakingly obtaining funding for the restoration of the church building and that will be one of his greatest legacies.”

Mr Allen was also well loved at Oakworth Primary School, where he was regularly involved in assemblies.

Head teacher Adrian Francis said: “Tom would come to the school for assembly every Wednesday and he had a particularly unique, informal style — he was extremely popular. The children also visited the church as part of the RE curriculum and were always made very welcome.”

Mr Allen, a former rock musician, was ordained in 1998 and was assistant curate at Mirfield Parish Church before taking up the post at Christ Church.

He had spent 20 years as a youth worker in Leeds, London and Blackburn. He leaves a wife, Anne, and two teenage children, Katherine and Matthew.