A FORMER Church Army Captain at Princetown and assistant chaplain at HMP Dartmoor has died, aged 63.

Captain David Swales spent 17 years working at the prison in Princetown, until his retirement three years ago, when he moved with his wife Liz to Northumberland. He died on Tuesday, February 21.

A memorial service for Captain Swales takes place today (Thursday) at the United Church, Princetown.

The Rev Preb Nick Shutt, rector of West Dartmoor Benefice, said: 'This service coincides with David's funeral which is happening at the same time in Northumberland.

'There are so many who live locally who remember David following his years of service at HMP Dartmoor that it was considered appropriate to conduct a service locally so everyone had the opportunity of giving thanks for David's life and Ministry.'

The Right Rev John Ford, Bishop of Plymouth said: 'David was a tireless servant of Jesus. His witness to prisoners was exemplary and I well remember being with him as he struggled up and down from the landings, always cheerful, never resentful, giving himself in service towards those on the edge of society.'

All are welcome to attend the memorial service, which begins at 11am.