Tributes have been paid to a former vicar who has died, aged 80.

The Reverend Kenneth Wayne, described as friendly and caring to anybody in need, will also be remembered for helping to set up a charity which has helped thousands of homeless people.

Born in Blaby, he attended Wyggeston Boys' Grammar School before completing his national service.

Following his time in the armed forces he began working for the YMCA in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

His time with the organisation took him as far afield as Baghdad, before he returned to England to work in Exeter, where he met his future wife Daphne.

He studied at Bishops' College in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, and in 1961 he returned to his native Leicester to become the first curate of St Hugh's Church in Eyres Monsell.

In 1962 he moved to Emmanuel Church, Loughborough where he remained until he became vicar of the north west Leicestershire villages of Breedon-on-the-Hill, Staunton Harold and Isley Walton, three years later.

Mr Wayne's daughter Elizabeth said: "Wherever he lived he was very involved in the wider community and that's something that everybody's who has spoken to us in recent days has said.

"He was very friendly and always very caring to anybody in need.

"It didn't matter who you were, he always had time for you."

In 1973 he moved on to St Philip's Church in Evington, Leicester.

His love of history and time spent in the forces meant he retained a life-long affinity with the Royal British Legion and, while working in Leicester, served as announcer at its annual festival of remembrance for 14 consecutive years.

During his time at St Philip's he was also involved in founding Action Homeless, a charity which tackles homelessness in the city.

Jonathan Cryer, senior fund raiser at Action Homeless, said: "The charity he helped to set up is going strong after nearly 40 years and that's testament to the vision and enthusiasm he had. Thousands of homeless people have had much better help and services provided for them due to his inspiration. We are grateful for all the support he and his family have given over the years."

His passion for Leicestershire history, in particular the stories behind pub names, saw him make regular appearances on Radio Leicester's Coffee Hour.

He left the county to become a vicar in Derbyshire in 1985.

His past experience as vicar of the quarry village of Breedon-on-the-Hill helped him to support miners and their families in the aftermath of the miners' strike.

Following his ministry there he retired to live in East Leake.

His health had been deteriorating but last year he walked his daughter Elizabeth down the aisle at her wedding in St Andrew's Church, in Jarrom Street, Leicester.

He and Daphne celebrated their golden wedding anniversary this April.

Mr Wayne died at home on August 30. His funeral will take place tomorrow at St Mary's Church in East Leake.