A GREENOCK-born priest has sadly passed away overnight in Chile.

The Diocese of Paisley paid tribute to Rev. Neil Canon Sharp as they announced his sad passing following his death in Arica, where he has served for the last 45 years.

Father Neil was born in Greenock in 1945, and after studying at St Peter's Seminary in Cardross he was ordained to the Priesthood on June 29 1970, in St Mungo's in Greenock.

He served as a Curate at St Margaret’s in Johnstone from 1970 to 1974, then in St Patrick’s in Greenock from 1974 to 1978.

In 1979, both Fr Neil and his brother Fr Jim Sharp went to Arica, Chile, while remaining priests of the Diocese of Paisley.

He is remembered by parishoners  who knew him in Inverclyde as an 'inspiration'.

This photo was taken during Fr Neil’s last visit to Scotland last September.