RESIDENTS have rallied together to remember a 58-year-old Catholic priest who died suddenly from a heart attack.

Father Hugh Bridge, parish priest of St Francis de Sales church, Church Road, Hartley, died at Darent Valley Hospital.

News of his death spread so fast around the village that more than 200 people packed out the church to attend a mass about 12 hours later.

Parishioner Phil Kerton says Father Bridge had experienced breathing difficulties after he caught an infection after visiting a care home several months ago.

He collapsed at his home and was taken to hospital, where he later suffered a heart attack and died on January 22.

The news spread around Hartley and surrounding villages throughout the day and at 8pm a mass was held.

Candles have also been lit by parishioners at the church in Father Bridge's memory.

Mr Kerton, of Lambardes, New Ash Green, said: "A lot of people are stunned by this.

"The fact from 7am or 8am in the morning when the news got out, until 8pm, when the mass was held, 200 people appeared with no real notice being given, is quite amazing."

Father Bridge, who had been a priest at St Francis de Sales since 1996, was buried yesterday after a ceremony at the church.

Mr Kerton, 62, added: "He was always available to people, also willing to put himself out and open his doors to anyone in need."

Father Bridge was born in Orpington in 1948 and educated at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School and Oriel College, Oxford University.

He was ordained as a priest in 1977.

Father Bridge, who was fluent in Russian, directed Cathedral Employment Enterprises, an organisation which helped people find training and employment.

A statement from the Archdiocese of Southwark said: "He will be sadly missed both in parishes he served and further afield. May he rest in peace."