The Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, Bishop Michael Evans, has died following a battle against prostate cancer.

The 59-year-old passed away peacefully at 7.10pm yesterday (Monday) in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Diagnosed with advanced and aggressive prostate cancer six years ago, the leader of 26,000 practising Catholics in the region continued his ministry throughout his treatment and although his engagements were limited from the beginning of this year as his condition deteriorated, he continued to work up until his admission to hospital on Thursday of last week.

The Diocese of East Anglia, which covers Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, has today paid tribute to the care the Bishop has received from the local surgery and hospital throughout.

A further statement will be made later today.