The funeral of a former Dean of Canterbury has taken place at the cathedral.

The Very Rev John Simpson had a long association with the city. He was head of the Chapter from 1986 to 2000, having spent the previous five years as Archdeacon and Canon Residentiary.

A keen artist, he retired to live in Folkestone with his wife Ruth in 2000 and was awarded an OBE for his services to the Church of England. He was 85 and died at his home on April 24.

Mr Simpson is credited with leading the cathedral into a period of development which included the building of the education centre and hotel.

He also welcomed many members of the Royal family to the cathedral, including Princess Diana in 1991.

He was educated at Keble College, Oxford and ordained in 1959. After curacies in Leyton and Orpington he was a tutor at Oak Hill Theological College from 1962 to 1972.

He was then Vicar of Ridge, Hertfordshire until 1981 when he began his long association with the Diocese of Canterbury.

His funeral took place at the cathedral on May 13 conducted by the current Dean, the Very Rev Robert Willis.

He had visited his predecessor at his home in Folkestone a week before his death to finalise details of the service which was attended by all members of the Chapter from Dean Simpson’s tenure.

It was followed by a wake at the Chapter House. Contributions were invited for Cancer Research UK, WaterAid and Canterbury Cathedral.

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