AN unconventional bishop, who wrote books on Christianity and sparked controversy by marrying a divorcee, has been remembered as "inspirational".

Stephen Verney, who was Bishop of Repton from 1977 to 1983, has died in Oxford at the age of 90.

Known to his colleagues as "a reformer", he wrote several books during his time in Derbyshire, including Water into Wine (1985), New Age (1976) and The Dance of Love (1989).

The Derby Diocese said that, during his eight years in Repton, he gained a reputation for being "a patient listener who encouraged people with his non-judgmental wisdom".

The current Bishop of Repton, the Rt Rev Humphrey Southern, said he was saddened by the death of his predecessor.

He said: "Bishop Stephen is fondly remembered by generations of Derby clergy for his ministry in this diocese, and especially as an inspirational training director."

And the Bishop of Derby, the Rt Rev Dr Alastair Redfern, said he joined Bishop Southern in offering prayers of thanksgiving for Bishop Stephen's life and ministry.

Bishop Stephen served with the Army in Egypt during the Second World War and it was his wartime experiences that influenced him to pursue a career with the church.

He completed a degree at Oxford before being ordained in Southwell Minster in 1950, and became priest-in-charge and the first vicar of St Francis, Clifton, which at the time was a new estate in Nottingham.

After eight years he became canon at Coventry Cathedral, before being appointed canon at Windsor, and then moving to Repton.

The Derby Diocese said he was "held in the highest affection among the clergy for his energy and humour".

During his time in Derbyshire, in 1981, he married a divorcee, Sandra Ann Bailey – a move that was unpopular with conservative Anglican churchmen.

It was the second time Bishop Stephen had been married, having lost his first wife Priscilla Schwerdt in 1974. But he withstood the criticism and carried on with his job.

Following his retirement in 1985, he moved to Blewbury, in Oxfordshire. He enjoyed music, gardening and travel, as well as good conversation.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, and four children from his first marriage.

A son from his second marriage died in infancy.

Click here to leave a tribute to Bishop Stephen