A SOUTH LAKELAND church was packed to the rafters for the funeral of a much-loved parish priest who died last month aged 69.

David Webster, of Ackenthwaite, was the former vicar of Pennington, Lindal-with-Marton and Bardsea.

Born in Liverpool in September 1939, Mr Webster was the eldest of three children.

His father, William Webster, was verger at Rainhill Church and, from an early age, Mr Webster took an active role in church life.

Following his primary education at the village school, Mr Webster attended Prescot Grammar School and became involved in church youth events.

It was at one of these events he met his wife-to-be Monica Reed, Having felt a calling to the priesthood for some time, in 1960 he attended Kings College in London, followed by Edinburgh Theological College.

In 1964, the same year he was ordained deacon, Mr Webster married Miss Reed.

The couple had three children, Philip, Katie and Stephen.

Mr Webster’s first parish was at St Mary, Wavertree, where he enjoyed seven busy years at a lively city centre church.

He went on to serve in parishes across the Northwest and beyond but it was at Matterdale in the Carlisle Diocese that his love affair with rural ministry began.

This passion was further stoked during his time in the Diocese of Coventry, where he was a founding member of the Farm Crisis Network.

In 2001, Mr Webster returned to Cumbria and the parish of Pennington, Lindal-with-Marton and Bardsea.

Keen to remain involved in rural issues, he also became rural officer for the Diocese of Carlisle.

In 2006, he retired and took pleasure in renovating an old house and spending time with his four granddaughters.

At the end 2008, he developed a brain tumour and patiently endured daily radiotherapy and chemotherapy at Preston Hospital.

He maintained an active interest in his friends and family throughout his illness and died peacefully on August 7.

Mr Webster’s funeral took place at Heversham Church and his ashes will be buried at a family ceremony at Matterdale Church on September 13.