TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Bishop of Winchester, who died at the age of 71.

The Right Reverend Michael Scott-Joynt, Bishop of Winchester between 1995 and 2011, died on Saturday afternoon, with his family at his side.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said the Church of England had “lost a faithful, hard working and distinguished servant”.

In a statement, the current Bishop of Winchester, the Right Reverend Tim Dakin, said: “Michael led this Diocese with great integrity, both through his ministry and his strength of personality.

“I had the joy of working with him on a number of occasions before his retirement and then it was an honour to follow in his footsteps as Bishop of Winchester.

“Michael was a true servant for the Church of England at home and for the wider Anglican Communion abroad, particularly in Africa. He will long be remembered in our parishes and his presence is sorely missed.”