Tributes have been paid to a beloved member of the Winchester church community, Reverend Canon Dr David Scott who has died.

Known by his parishioners as a kind-hearted and gentle soul, his memory will live on through his poetry and through the memory of his peers.

Mr Scott made such an impact on the community, as Rector of St Lawrence, an Honorary Canon of Winchester Cathedral, and an honorary fellow of the University of Winchester.

Reverend Amanda Goulding, writing in the St Bartholomew parish magazine, whose benefice now includes St Lawrence, said: “We knew David as gentle and kind, an inspiring preacher, teacher and retreat leader, ably assisted by his wife, Miggy. It was our privilege to support him in his ministry as Diocesan Warden of Spirituality for nearly 20 years until he slipped humbly into retirement.”

Mr Scott was born in Cambridge in 1947 and attended Solihull School in Birmingham. After studying Theology, he became a curate in Harlow and then School Chaplain at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School in Elstree.

In 1980 Mr Scott became Vicar of Torpenhow and Allhallows in Cumbria. In 1991 he moved to Winchester to become Rector of St Lawrence with St Swithun and Warden of the Diocesan School of Spirituality, holding this post, until his retirement in 2010 due to ill health.

Mr Scott is known for writing many poems, spiritual works, and plays. In 1978 Mr Scott won the Sunday Times/BBC national poetry competition with his poem Kirkwall Auction Mart. He had several books published by Carcarnet Books. He also wrote plays for the National Youth Music Theatre.