One of Birmingham's most eminent faith leaders Rabbi Dr Leonard Tann has died, it was revealed last night.

Chief minister at Singers Hill Synagogue, in Ellis Street, he was found collapsed at his home by the synagogue's administrator after police had to force entry when they failed to raise a response.

A funeral service will be held today at 1.30pm at the synagogue, followed by prayers and the funeral at Witton Cemetery at 3pm.

The 62-year-old, who is best known for his work in forging close links with all faiths, had a history of heart problems but after recent surgery was said to be in rude health by close friends.

His wife, Irene, who is recovering from a routine procedure at Selly Oak Hospital, had not heard from her husband and raised the alarm when he failed to visit yesterday.

Rabbi Tann's legacy may well be the relationships he formed with the city's religious faiths, which was cemented after the terror attacks on the US on September 11, 2001.

The following day the rabbi visited Birmingham Central Mosque to stand shoulder to shoulder with its leaders after they received abusive calls in reaction to the atrocities of 9/11.

Other faith leaders joined him in a move which paved the way for the Faith Leaders Group. Rabbi Tann was awarded an honorary doctorate at Aston University in July 2005 in recognition of his inter-faith work.

Last night the Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham, paid tribute to him.

"I am deeply saddened by the sad death of Rabbi Dr Leonard Tann," he said.

"He will be greatly missed by so many people in Birmingham. It was his generous-hearted compassion that first drew together the leaders of all the different faiths in the city at the time of the World Trade Centre tragedy on 9/11.

"He had that great characteristic and humour of the Rabbi and led his people with devotion and learning.

The Archbishop added: "Personally, I will miss him greatly."

Rabbi Tann also taught Hebrew at St Mary's College, in Oscott, was involved with various charities around the city, as well as tirelessly pursuing his inter-faith work.

Richard Johnson, a former administrator of the synagogue and close friend, said: "Rabbi Tann's influence on the city has been enormous, he's been an inspiration not just to the Jewish community who he served fantastically for 21 years, but all the other faiths that he forged connections with and befriended.

"He became convinced that the way to achieve peace in the world was to be friendly to everyone, not to fight everyone."

Rabbi Tann and his wife, Irene, had one son, Roger.