A RETIRED GP and theologian who contributed a number of articles to the Gazette has passed away aged 95.

Dr Frank Rickards, who lived in Oswaldkirk, moved to the area 20 years ago to be closer to Ampleforth Abbey where he would often attend retreats.

During his career he travelled to China to study acupuncture and specialised in cancer care and the treatment of the terminally ill, working in hospices in the south of England.

Before moving to Ryedale he helped establish the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester and Ellesmere Port.

Dr Rickards' partner, Paul George, said he was a man of many talents and enjoyed sailing along the Welsh coast and in his younger days climbing the crags of Cumbria.

"He was a man of musical talents who played piano, guitar, piano accordion, tin whistle and violin as well as being a keen folk singer who had groups in Lancashire and North Wales," he added.

"He was a prolific writer who wrote many poetry books and articles on many subjects."

Mr George said Dr Rickards, who died on December 7, was a great charity worker and would help at York Centenary Chapel each Friday to provide food for the homeless.

"He had a strong Catholic faith and it was this that brought him to live and die within the sound of the Ampleforth Abbey bells which was one of his last wishes," he added.

"He will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunate to have known him."