A RETIRED priest is set to receive an unusual honour from the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.

Neil Richardson, 70 and from Notley Road in Braintree, is set to become an honorary vice president of the institute after writing regularly in their magazine for ten years.

On Tuesday, Neil has been invited to attend an exclusive presentation ceremony in Tame, Oxfordshire.

Mr Richardson said: “I would not say I am an expert but I just like writing.

“It is a very interesting subject to write about because all elements of life are there.

“A lot of the time I talk about cemeteries that I have visited.

“I have been to them in Australia, Germany, France, England, Belgium and all over the world.”

The former priest took part in funerals for 42 years, and says he feels lucky to have had the chance to help people say goodbye to loved ones.

He said: “When I was 14 and I was thinking about becoming a priest, funerals were the thing that scared me but actually they have been one of the best parts.

“There is a reality in life which is we all die .

“You do get used to it and it is a privilege and an honour to give someone the respectful funeral they deserve - I am proud to have been part of that.

“The award came as a complete surprise, but as it has been a huge part of my life, I think it is probably a suitable thing to offer me.”