A church is set to honour the memory of a key member of its congregation in stunning technicolour.

St John's Church in Snods Edge will remember former churchwarden Wilf Smurthwaite who passed away in 2018 with a stunning new stained glass window.

The window is set to be installed on October 19 and there will be a special celebration honouring Wilf's life on October 24, where the Bishop of Newcastle will dedicate the window.

The idea for a memorial window came from current churchwarden John Rayner, he said: "It was my idea. After Wilf passed I noticed nothing was really happening, I then led the project team to get it designed and get it made and now it will be get installed in October."

The window which has been designed and will be installed by Barley Studios of York has been designed with Wilf in mind.

Transcribed on the window is a phrase of music taken from Wilf's favourite hymn, 'My God, how great Thou art' celebrating Wilf's contribution to the musical life of the church as a singer and pianist.

Above the music, a line of sheep are guided towards the Holy Spirit, referencing Wilf's work as a shepherd and farmer.

Remembering Wilf, John said: "Everybody knew him, everyone who came to the area he welcomed them, everyone who left he would say goodbye to.

"He did everything, from football to music and he played the organ. How he did it all I don't know."

Wilf was born in the parish of Shotley Low Quarter in 1935 and lived there all his life until his death in 2018 aged 83.

He became a churchwarden, a member of the Parochial Church Council, chairperson of the Hall, and founder of the football team. He was responsible for founding a number of clubs and groups for young and old at the church hall.

He was said to epitomise the welcoming nature of St John’s Church , his pastoral care role best summed up in his motto of God first, others second and self-last.

The window specifically celebrates the life of Wilf and his 45 years as Churchwarden which was recognised when he was awarded the MBE by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in 1994 for services to the community.

Wilf gave his life to the church and was actively involved in the day to day runnings of the church and its community.

The window has been a project of St John’s PCC, funded by grant aid successfully obtained from the Catherine Cookson Trust and the All Churches Trust.

Donations were received from Snods Edge Ladies Group, Hall Committee, St John’s Football Club, the Smurthwaite family, their relatives and friends. Additional donations were received from individual parishioners past and present.