TRIBUTES have been paid to the Bishop of Bradwell who has died after a battle with cancer.

John Wraw, who took up the role in 2012, died in his sleep at home on Tuesday.

Born in Hampshire Mr Wraw, 58, studied law at Lincoln College, Oxford, and was ordained in 1985.

He served in Hereford and Sheffield dioceses before becoming Archdeacon of Wilts in 2004.

Mr Wraw, whose area served 145 parishes including Maldon and the Dengie, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2014.

He leaves a widow, Gillian, and four grown-up children.

Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, has said: “Bishop John was a wonderful servant of the gospel and a fantastic colleague.

"As an archdeacon in Wiltshire he was known to be dependable and creative.

"As a bishop serving in this great diocese of Chelmsford these qualities blossomed and bore fruit as he helped take forward our diocesan vision for growth and renewal.

"He quickly won the confidence of the clergy and the love of the people he served.

“When he was diagnosed three years ago, despite the obvious shock, he was determined to carry on with his ministry. Many people would have simply retired.

"Bishop John just got stuck in, teaching the Christian faith, visiting the parishes he served, and refining his understanding of the gospel so that his life now matched his ministry in a way that was humbling and inspiring to experience.

“He not only spoke about the wonderful inclusive hospitality of God's love, he lived it to the last. I could not have wished for a better colleague. We will miss him hugely.

“Please hold Gillian and their family in your prayers.”

The arrangements for Mr Wraw’s funeral will be announced in due course.