A MEMORIAL service is being held tomorrow in honour of former Benedictine Monk Father Cyril Brooks.

It will be celebrated by Father Geoffrey Lynch, a Benedictine Monk colleague of Fr Cyril's and former Prior of St Bede's Pastoral Centre.

Fr Geoffrey said: "It is a real privilege to be part of the service. I am very much looking forward to it."

Fr Cyril died, aged 71, in September last year after an operation to deal with an intestinal problem.

He was well known for his passion about bringing people from various religious denominations together, and in 1992 played a major role in setting up ecumenical group One Voice.

The group was set up to promote religion throughout the York area, and included key players from Methodist and evangelical groups.

He completed a 2,000-mile sponsored bike ride round Britain to raise funds for One Voice - when he was 62.

Fr Geoffrey said: "Father Cyril was a real enthusiast. He was hugely dedicated not only to his priestly and monastic work, but to absolutely everything he did."

Sister Margaret Leedal, who has helped organise the service, said: "Father Cyril was a hugely committed person who was tuned in to God with a tremendous fiery enthusiasm."

The service will be held at 10.30am tomorrow, in the Bar Convent Chapel, Blossom Street, York.

Updated: 10:57 Friday, January 04, 2002