Former Catholic leader in Essex dies aged 89

The Right Reverend Thomas McMahon welcomed the then-Prince of Wales to Brentwood in 2001

The former leader of the Roman Catholic church in Essex has died aged 89.

The Right Reverend Thomas McMahon was the Bishop of Brentwood, which covers Essex and five east London boroughs, for 34 years.

He "died peacefully at his home" in Stock, near Billericay, at 10:00 GMT on Monday, the Diocese of Brentwood said.

Bishop McMahon would be remembered for the "dedication and enthusiasm" he brought to the role, it added.

Born as an identical twin in Dorking, Surrey, but having grown up in Old Harlow, he became the sixth and longest-serving Bishop of Brentwood.

It was a role Bishop McMahon held from 1980 until 2014 – three years after he announced his retirement.

Prior to this, he served as chaplain of the University of Essex and a parish priest in Westcliff-on-Sea, Colchester and Stock.

The Diocese of Brentwood shared this photograph of Bishop McMahon on Monday

"He will be remembered for initiating and supporting many developments during his long episcopal ministry," the diocese said in a statement.

It suggested that the opening of a new cathedral in Brentwood in 1991 was his most lasting achievement.

The King, then Prince Charles, was invited to visit and did so in 2001.

Bishop McMahon enjoyed membership on global religious committees, including the International Commission for English in the Liturgy.

While in post, he established the twinning of his diocese with the Diocese of Dundee in South Africa.

Bishop McMahon, right, speaking with the Bishop of Chelmsford during a radio appearance in Colchester in 2003

The bishop submitted his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI in June 2011, as required on turning 75.

However, it was not until 14 April 2014 that his successor was appointed.

"Bishop McMahon will be remembered not only for his longevity as a bishop but also for the dedication and enthusiasm which he brought to the various facets of his ministry," the diocese said.

"For his unstinting pastoral visitation of his diocese and, especially after his retirement, for his generosity as a speaker on spiritual themes."