THE former Bishop of Monmouth has died, aged 91.

The Right Rev Eryl Stephen Thomas held the post between 1968 and 1971.

He died last Thursday, leaving his wife, Jean, children Stephen, Clare, Michael and Patrick, and grandchildren Eleanor, Pierre, Justin and Phoebe.

The Right Rev Thomas was born on Anglesey, and after attending St John's College, Oxford, trained for the ministry at Wells Theological College, Somerset.

He worked in Colwyn Bay and Clwyd before becoming vicar of Risca in 1938.

The Rev Jeremy Winston, vicar of Abergavenny, said of his time in Risca: "It was here that he effected a wonderful ministry to the people of the town, of which people continue to speak. He was a great teacher in the churches and he developed among the people a wonderful love of worship."

From Risca, the Right Rev Thomas moved to become principal of St Michael's Theological College, Llandaff, staying there for six years before becoming Dean of Llandaff Cathedral in the 1950s.

In 1968, he was elected Bishop of Monmouth and moved to St Woolos Cathedral, Newport.

Then in 1971 the Right Rev Thomas was translated to the diocese of Llandaff, becoming bishop there.

He and his wife retired to live in Gilwern. His funeral service is due to take place tomorrow, at St Mary's Priory Church, Abergavenny, at noon.