Hundreds mourn for former bishop

The former bishop had a strong interest in education

The former Archbishop of York joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of the former Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Rev David Young.

When he became Bishop of Ripon in 1977, aged 46, he was the youngest diocesan bishop in the Church of England.

He retired in 1999 after achieving his ambition to have Leeds incorporated into the name of the diocese.

Dr David Hope attended the funeral service for the 76-year-old bishop at Ripon Cathedral.

Ex-colleagues, civic dignitaries and community leaders joined Bishop Young's family for the funeral in the North Yorkshire city.

The service was led by Bishop David's three chaplains during his time in office - Canon Tony Shepherd, Rev Paul Hooper and Rev Michael Hepper.

School honour

His successor, Bishop John Packer, said: "Bishop David's ministry had a profound effect on the life of the diocese through his pastoral care and generous self-giving.

"He had a particular ministry in terms of education, including his period as chairman of the Church of England Board of Education, and he established a link with Sri Lanka which still flourishes."

With his lifelong commitment to education, he was delighted when Leeds' first city academy, the David Young Community Academy, sponsored by the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds, was named in his honour.

Students from the academy took part in Friday's funeral service.