A clergyman and father-of-seven has died at the age of 46 after losing a fight against cancer.

Only a year ago, the Rev Philip Atkinson declared himself the "proudest man alive" after conducting the wedding service for his eldest daughter, Emma, 20.

Today his devastated family were still trying to come to terms with his death after he had twice been given the all-clear following cancer in his leg and lung. Last November, doctors told him the cancer had reappeared, only this time it had spread and was terminal.

Mr Atkinson, of Mayfield Drive, Brayton, near Selby, was Methodist minister for Brayton, Burn, Camblesforth, Thorpe Willoughby, Carlton, Snaith, Eggborough and Hensall.

He was also chairman of Selby Nightstop, which cares for the homeless, and before moving to Brayton was minister for the Tadcaster and Wetherby circuit.

His family today paid tribute to a "larger than life" character, whose vision and enthusiasm inspired everyone he came into contact with.

His wife, Doreen, 39, said: "He was very brave and carried on working right to the end. I never heard him once say: 'Why me?'

"The night before he died he still managed to have a hefty debate on theology with another minister.

"Because of his deep faith, he was able to confront the disease head-on. But it still came as a big shock because he deteriorated so rapidly."

Mrs Atkinson, who is a co-ordinator at Selby Nightstop, added: "Being a minister wasn't a job to Philip, it was a passion. He was thrilled when I told him I was planning to become a Methodist minister and that our daughter, Sarah, was training to become a local preacher.

"He packed in ten years of life in his last ten months. He had three holidays abroad and enjoyed a week at Butlin's with his family.

"He thought the world of his family and he has left us a lot of happy memories."

A service of thanksgiving will be held next Saturday at Snaith Methodist Church.

Updated: 12:13 Saturday, September 14, 2002