Religious leaders from across the country paid tribute to Rabbi Dr Leonard Tann, who pioneered Birmingham's multi-faith network, at his funeral yesterday.

The 62-year-old, who was appointed chief minister at the city's Singers Hill Synagogue in 1986, was found collapsed at his home when police forced entry after failing to raise a response on Monday night.

About 600 mourners, including representatives of all faiths, attended yesterday's service at the Ellis Street synagogue which was followed by prayers and funeral at Witton Cemetery.

The tributes were led by the head of the Jewish faith in Britain, Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, whose eulogy to "a unique and incredible colleague" was read at the service and which described him as "a real role model to rabbis in this country."

Rabbi Tann was best known for his work in forging links with all faiths, particularly after the September 11 terror attacks on the US, when he stood shoulder to shoulder with Muslim leaders at Birmingham Central Mosque.

Other religious leaders joined him and in doing so paved the way for the city's Faith Leaders Group.

Dr Mohammed Naseem, leader of Birmingham Central Mosque, said the Muslim community was still coming to term with the "sad and sudden loss of a much-loved friend".

"This is devastating news. Rabbi Tann was a unique personality and as such will not be easily replaced," he said.

"He truly was one of a kind so we are all feeling a great loss. Whether it will be possible to replace him I doubt very much.

"Rabbi Tann was the best representative of Judaism, I've met many others who I respect but he was just like a brother to me.

"His gestures were very much appreciated and what he did in the wake of 9/11 by coming to the mosque was very kind indeed.

"The way he forged friendships in the wake of those events helped to unite the city, bringing its religious communities together, and as such his loss is being sorely felt."

The Bishop of Birmingham, the Right Reverend David Urquhart who attended Rabbi Tann's funeral, said his congregation was mourning "a wise, dedicated and able rabbi."

"During my year in Birmingham I have worked closely with Rabbi Leonard Tann, through the Birmingham Faith Leaders Group which he helped to found in the immediate aftermath of 9/11," he added.

"It has been a privilege to work with someone who has such a passion for inter-faith relations and a commitment to supporting all faiths in the city - standing up for those who feel oppressed and using his wonderful humour to build deep relationships of trust.

"My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the community of Singers Hill synagogue."

The funeral was organised in less than 24 hours by administrator Bernard Gingold, who was with police when they broke into his home, along with Rabbis Shlomo Odze and Yossi Jacobs.

Rabbi Yossi will preside at Singers Hill for the immediate future.