A Church of Ireland clergyman has died after going into intensive care with Covid-19.  

Rev John Anderson was the rector of Billy and Derrykeighan in Northern Ireland and died on Saturday. 

Rev John became ill just over a week ago and died in the Intensive Care Unit of Causeway hospital. 

The Bishop of Connor, the Rt Rev George Davison, said: "John Anderson's death has come as a terrible shock to us all. Just as many people were beginning to believe that Covid was on the retreat, it has robbed us of one of the most likeable people."

"John was a warm-hearted individual and a very faithful pastor to the people of Billy and Derrykeighan for almost the last 16 years. John's whole life has been one of service to Christ and His Church.

"He will be missed by so many people, but none more so than his wife Eleanor and their precious children. They, and John's mother and the wider family, are uppermost in my thoughts and prayers at this time."

He had been at the church since 2005. Prior to his role in the Diocese of Connor, he was curate assistant in Magherafelt in Armagh Diocese from 1998 until 2002 and then the Parish of Ballymena and Ballyclug in 2002 until his appointment to Billy and Derrykeighan.

Before ordination, he studied at Queen's University Belfast, then Trinity College, Dublin, and the Church of Ireland Theological College.

The funeral will be a private service for family only.