A COMMUNITY has been left devastated by the sudden death of a much-loved priest in Breightmet.

Father Geoffrey Hilton, aged 59, who was parish priest at St Osmund's RC Church, died on Thursday morning.

Julie McDonald, headteacher of SS Osmund and Andrew's RC Primary school, said in a tribute: "After many years involvement in our school, it was with great sadness that we heard of Father Hilton's passing. He will be greatly missed by our whole school community."

The Bishop of Salford, the Rt Rev John Arnold, said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of Fr Hilton. His death has come as a shock to his family, friends and parishioners. We are keeping them all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

"Fr Hilton will be greatly missed not just by those in the parish of St Osmund but by those people in the sporting community who knew and worked with him in his various roles as a rugby referee and as Olympic Chaplain."

Fr Hilton's life was turned upside down after he was wrongly accused of child abuse in 2010.

Fr Hilton, a former policeman, decided to become a seminarian at the English College in Valladolid, where his sporting achievements were noted after success at national level in badminton. He was also a footballer, rugby player and rugby league referee and worked at two World Cups.

The Salford Diocese said details of Fr Hilton's funeral details would be posted as soon as they are known.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed Fr Hilton's death was not suspicious.