A Roman Catholic priest who inspired villagers near Wantage to raise thousands of pounds for street children has been killed at his home in Africa.

Father Declan Collins, who set up the Don Bosco Hostel for Youths in Cape Town, was stabbed to death while watching television at his home in South Africa.

Churchgoers, schools and residents in Hanney, Denchworth and East Challow had collected £15,000 for the project over the past five years.

The parishes' vicar, Father Tony Hogg has just returned from a visit to the hostel to deliver £1,200.

While there, he was asked to pay tribute to Father Collins at his memorial service.

Father Hogg said his congregation had been moved by Father Collins' story of a press call in Cape Town, during which a cake for street children turned out to be a decorated, stale loaf.

"I told that story, with much difficulty, back home that Christmas, and I know that it was that which inspired my people to make sure, as one of them said, that the boys have real cake.

"Our living memorial to him in his death will be to continue to support the work which he inspired us so to do."

Father Collins moved to South Africa from Ireland in 1988 on a mission to help the poor.

A report in the South African newspaper the Cape Argus said the attackers stole only his wallet.