Tributes have been paid to a “loving friend” who “made a real difference to peoples’ lives”, following a memorial service to Reverend Peter Stearn – the retired vicar of All Saints Church.

In May, Rev Stearn retired following almost 26 years as vicar at the Kings Langley church.

However, three weeks ago – on Saturday September 27 – he sadly suffered a fatal heart attack.

An all-night vigil was held last Thursday evening when his family, members of the congregation and friends from the village came together.

A private family cremation was held on Friday morning followed by a service of thanksgiving for his life in the afternoon.

Rev Stearn was born in Amphill and went to school both there and in Bedford before attending the Royal College of Music to study singing.

While there, to mark their centenary, he sang for the Queen and Queen Mother and afterwards enjoyed a cup of tea with the Queen Mother.

He was ordained by Robert Runcie, then Bishop of St Albans, in the Cathedral and Abbey Church in June 1978 and arrived in Kings Langley in July 1982.

In Kings Langley, Rev Stearn entered fully into village life and the community, taking part in productions both with the Kings Langley Players and Kings Langley Light Operatic Company.

He was often found chatting to people in the High Street as well as in the local pub.

A life-long Luton Town football supporter, he also loved cricket and would often go to Lords.

Rev Stearn retired as vicar of All Saints after over 25 years service to the community.

More than 350 people crowded into the community centre, in Kings Langley, to say goodbye, while many more attended farewell choral evensong in church.

Monica Osborn, warden and administrator at the church, said: “The combination of humour and serious words and music very much reflected Peter.

“People left with a smile on their faces, remembering with great love and affection a truly good man, a dear friend who touched the hearts and lives of so many in the village and beyond.

“He made a difference to people’s lives and you can’t ask for more than that.”

Donald Abbott, chairman of Kings Langley Parish Council, also paid tribute to a “colourful character who would be sadly missed”.

Donald, who had been due to play golf with Rev Stearn the Monday after his death, said: “He was a very colourful man.

“He used to keep the children amused in church. He used to have a rabbit – or perhaps it was a rat – and he used to take it into the pulpit and amuse the children.

“There was standing room only [at the service]. We had as many people standing as we had sitting in the pews.”

Parish councillor, Gerry Angiolini, added: “He was just one of those people that when you met him you walked away thinking: ‘Wow, what a lovely chap’. He was a great man who will certainly be missed.”

Rev Stearn leaves his wife Joy and two daughters, Rebecca and Charlotte.