A FORMER Dean of Winchester has died aged 74, following an illness.

The Very Rev James Atwell was Dean of Winchester for ten years to 2016 when he retired, to be replaced by the current dean, the Very Rev Catherine Ogle.

She said on the Winchester Cathedral website: “It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of The Very Revd James Atwell, Dean Emeritus of Winchester.

“James died, at home with family, following an illness. James was a greatly loved Dean of Winchester from 2006 to 2016, and before that of St Edmundsbury, and it was an honour to follow as his successor here.

“We are grateful for his wise counsel and teaching and the outstanding commitment that he lived out each day to the life and ministry of this cathedral and to the people of Hampshire.

“We extend deepest sympathies to Lorna and to his family in their loss.”

Details of the funeral will be announced when finalised. It will be live-streamed from the cathedral.

Dean Atwell was educated at Dauntsey's and Exeter College, Oxford and was ordained in 1971, later working in London, Cambridge and Towcester and Bury St Edmonds.

At Winchester he oversaw the growth of the annual Christmas market and ice rink that has helped secure the cathedral financial security