A MUCH loved local priest who faithfully served the Inverclyde community has died aged 58.

Fr Andrew Coleman, who served in the Paisley Diocese for 30 years, passed away on May 18 after battling a terminal illness.

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to the popular churchman,' who was ordained in June 1991 by Bishop John Mone in St Francis’s Port Glasgow.

During his priesthood, the Australian born clergyman served in Inverclyde twice - as assistant priest at St Patrick's from 1995 to 2001 and latterly as parish priest at St Laurence's for five years until 2020.

Colleagues in the Diocese, who say he served with a 'trademark smile', have been left devastated by his passing.

A spokesperson for the Paisley Diocese said: "Fr Coleman was a priest of the Diocese of Paisley for thirty years.

"During that time he served faithfully the people of God in various parishes around the Diocese, including several here in Inverclyde, always in his quiet way with his trademark smile.

"Andy appeared to be unflappable.

"In situations where others could perhaps boil over Andy simply tilted his head and smiled."

As well as tributes from colleagues, the son of James and Patricia was commended by many people online for his compassion for the Inverclyde community.

The Diocese spokesperson said: "Many of the tributes paid to him on social media since his death simply describe him as a 'good priest' - what better tribute could be paid?

"On receiving his terminal diagnosis and as his illness progressed, we have all been deeply impressed by his courage, faith and grace in facing death.

"We offer our condolences to his family and we pray that Andy, a faithful worker in the vineyard of the Lord, will be welcomed home."

Fr Coleman, who was serving as parish priest in St Peter’s Glenburn up until his passing, was school chaplain at Notre Dame High from 1995 to 2001 and then again from 2015 to 2020.

A spokesperson said there was 'great sadness' at the school following the news.

They added: "Father Andrew was a much loved and valued member of the Notre Dame community.

"We pray for Father Andrew, his family and all who knew and loved him."