Tributes paid to former Bishop of Thetford

Bishop Dudley-Smith served in the Diocese of Norwich for 18 years

The Bishop of Norwich has paid tribute to a "much-respected" former bishop and writer of more than 400 hymns.

The Right Reverend Timothy Dudley-Smith, who lived in Cambridge and served as the Bishop of Thetford between 1981 and 1991, died on Monday at the age of 97.

He wrote more than 400 hymns including ‘Lord, For The Years’ and ‘Tell Out, My Soul’.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Right Reverend Graham Usher, said: "May Bishop Timothy now fully know 'the greatness of the Lord'."

Bishop Usher says Bishop Dudley-Smith (pictured) was a "well-known" hymnwriter and created "blockbuster" Tell Out, My Soul

Bishop Dudley-Smith served in the Diocese of Norwich for 18 years as the Archdeacon of Norfolk before becoming Bishop of Thetford.

Bishop Usher said he had heard how Bishop Dudley-Smith would balance his crozier, a pastoral staff, on his chin during schools visits to entertain pupils, and how he encouraged the ordination of a man who was thought to be too "risky" by others because he was a long-haired biker.

"When I became Bishop of Norwich, Bishop Timothy wrote a most warm and encouraging letter, and we corresponded further about his passion for the environment," he said.

"Of course, he was a well-known hymnwriter, including the blockbuster ‘Tell Out, My Soul’ which has encouraged many people in their Christian faith, or to add their ‘yes’ to God’s call in their lives and make a commitment to following Jesus."