TRIBUTES and messages have been pouring in from across the world following the passing of a popular pastor.

Pastor Pamela Greenow was a key figure in the Xcel Church in Newton Aycliffe, which was founded by her parents, Jack and Pansy Dickenson, in 1967 as the Full Gospel Church.

The congregation originally met in private homes and community centres in the Newton Aycliffe area before building a church in Woodham Way.

By 2005, the church had more than 400 members and satellite churches were established in Durham City and also in Darlington.

However, a larger building was needed to allow the church to grow.

The Xcel Church joined businessmen to form a development company, Xcel Holdings, a registered charity, which led to the development of the Xcel Centre in 2010.

In a statement following her peaceful death on Wednesday, April 29, her family said Mrs Greenow, 69, had devoted her life to her family and supporting her husband, Glyn, in leading the church.

Born in Cockfield, near Bishop Auckland, Mrs Greenow, married Mr Greenow, from Hereford, in 1966.

They initially settled in Hereford, but the couple moved to Newton Aycliffe in 1974.

In 2007, the couple passed on the leadership to their son, John Greenow, and daughter-in Law, Lisa.

“Since then Pamela has continued to live, love and lead with grace and dignity,” said the family.

“She loved spending time with her family, including eight grandchildren and her many friends.

“Her influence and her legacy live on in the hundreds of people who loved her and were touched by her life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.”