Tributes have been paid to a popular priest who was known as "one of the characters of the diocese".

Father Ernest "Ernie" Bonvini, the former Dean of Balham, died on the morning of Friday, July 22, aged 75.

Fr Bonvini was known by many for having led a successful campaign to introduce a crossing in Mitcham Road, Tooting, near to St Boniface Church, where he was based.

It was launched following the death of 84-year-old John Chivers, who was hit by the 264 bus in November 2009.

Friend and fellow campaigner, Sadiq Khan MP, who revealed he was "deeply saddened" by news of Fr Bonvini's death, said: "His campaigning work on this and other issues led to our paths crossing regularly - and it was always a pleasure when this happened.

"I was pleased I was able to give him the opportunity to address and question the Secretary of State for International Development at a meeting in the House of Commons, as well as meeting the former Prime Minister here in Tooting.

"His kind and generous nature extended beyond his own parish to encompass all those living in poverty or suffering around the world."

A statement released by the Archdiocese of Southwark, said: "Fr Ernie was without doubt one of the ‘characters’ of the Diocese.

"Although born and bred a Londoner, his extrovert character was very much derived from his Italian roots.

"As a young man his parents returned to live in Italy, and Fr Ernie retained a great love for the language and culture of that country, himself being a fluent Italian speaker and spending much of his holiday time there."

Fr Bonvini was born on March 6, 1936, to Italian parents in Waterloo. He went to St Patrick’s Primary School, in Waterloo, and Salesian College, in Battersea, before serving his national military service in the army from 1954 to 1956.

Having developed a keen commitment to the Young Christian Workers in his younger years, he was eventually ordained to the priesthood at St Paul’s Outside the Walls in 1971, at the age of 35.

His first appointment as assistant priest was at St John’s, in Gravesend, where he remained for eight years.

He then moved to St Elphege, in Wallington, in 1979 and from there to Holy Innocents, in Orpington, in 1982.

Fr Bonvini's first appointment as parish priest was to St Simon Stock, in Walderslade, in 1986. From there he was transferred as parish priest of St Boniface, in Tooting, in November 1992.

In 2007 Fr Ernie had a heart bypass and asked to step down from his responsibilities as Dean of Balham - a role he took on in 1997.

The statement from the Diocese said: "Although in latter years his health was less strong, he continued to serve the parish faithfully.

"One of his treasured possessions was a photograph of the interior of the old St George’s Cathedral which was displayed in his dining room at St Boniface.

"He had a particular pride that he had been baptised in the old cathedral, which he remembered as a child."

Although formally retiring in May of this year, he remained in the parish pending the arrival of his successor.

A funeral for Fr Bonvini was held at St Boniface on Friday, August 5. Mr Khan said there was standing room only once well-wishers had packed into the venue.