THE DIOCESE of Truro is mourning the loss of its 14th Bishop, the Rt Revd Bill Ind, who has died at the age of 84.

Bishop Bill led the diocese from 1997 until his retirement in 2008. During his tenure he was awarded the Trelawny Plate, given to those who have made “an outstanding contribution to Cornish life”. He also starred in the BBC series A Seaside Parish during its three-year run in the early 2000s.

Bill was ordained in 1966, and served curacies in the Diocese of London before being appointed Team Vicar of Basingstoke. Prior to his arrival in Truro, he was Suffragan Bishop of Grantham in Lincolnshire. Bill built up a formidable reputation as a pastor, with a keen sense of humour which never left him.

Speaking at the time of his retirement, Bill said: “I have loved meeting people and just being with them… My own faith has been enriched, and I have gained all sorts of insights just by being here.

The Rt Revd David Williams, the current Bishop of Truro, said: “Bill’s ability to connect and to exercise ‘servant leadership’ characterised his whole life. To be one of his successors as Bishop of Truro is a privilege. As a diocese, we hold him and his wife Frances in our prayers and hearts.”

The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, the current Bishop of Winchester and 16th Bishop of Truro, said: “Bishop Bill was something of a legend in the Diocese of Truro, well known for his sympathetic, down-to-earth manner, which resonated so well with the people of Cornwall. His were very good footsteps in which to follow, and I’m honoured that for a season I was called to do so.”

His funeral is expected to be held in early May.