The Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Rev Ian Cundy, has died at the age of 64 of cancer. Bishop Cundy was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung cavity in October 2007.

Despite chemotherapy, the bishop learned this week that the cancer had spread. He had already announced that he intended to take early retirement in July of this year.

However, while visiting family Bishop Cundy collapsed. He was taken to Swindon General Hospital by an ambulance, but his condition was beyond help.

Bishop Cundy leaves behind his wife Jo, three children Robert, Paul and Elizabeth and one recently born grandson.

The Suffragan Bishop of Brixworth, the Rt Rev Frank White, will step into Bishop Cundy's role until a successor is appointed.

Bishop White said, "Bishop Ian was greatly loved in the diocese and around the country for his gentle manner, his warm acceptance of people from all walks of life and all denominations of and traditions within the Christian Church, and for his wise and perceptive counsel," reports The Telegraph.

"He will be greatly missed, and our prayers are with Jo and the family at this time."