A DISTINGUISHED churchman who retired to East Yorkshire has died, aged 77.

The Rev Caryl Micklem, of Pocklington, was an influential figure in the United Reformed Church and his ministry encompassed broadcasting, music and ecumenical work.

He read classics and theology at Oxford before becoming a minister at Oundle, Northants, followed by spells at Banstead, Surrey; Kensington, London; and St Columba's, Oxford, where he stayed until his retirement in 1990. As a pianist, Mr Micklem composed many tunes and hymns, two of his most popular being Give To Me Lord A Thankful Heart and For The Fruits Of His Creation.

He was chairman of the Hymn Society and the Free Church Musicians' Guild. He also edited and contributed to several books of contemporary prayers.

In television, Mr Micklem was Free Church religious adviser for ATV from 1958 to 1968.

Charles Tomson, of St Paul's Square, York, paid tribute to his friend, saying: "Caryl was a kind, thoughtful man with a certain degree of dignity who was one of the elder statesmen of the United Reformed Church. He was well liked, solid. He had an abiding fear of fundamentalism, not a neurotic fear, but a deep horror of it."

Mr Micklem leaves a widow, Ruth, whom he married in 1955, and one son and four daughters.

Ruth said: "Throughout his ministry he always looked to work with other churches."

The funeral service will take place at All Saints' Church, Pocklington, on Tuesday, at 1pm.

Updated: 10:03 Friday, June 06, 2003