Dr Bill Woods OBE - Brazilian President 'Lula' Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pays tribute to east Belfast man who eradicated leprosy in Acre region of Amazon

Aged 86, he spent over 60 years serving as a medical missionary to the indigenous people of the area, whom he mainly reached after lengthy journeys by boat.

He served with Acre Gospel Mission and was a lifelong member of the Minister at Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church in east Belfast.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva - a personal friend - tweeted a tribute on Monday.

"William John Woods was a missionary of the Baptist church and a doctor who worked in Acre and Amazonas," he said. "Dr. Guilherme, as he was called, was also known as the "leprosy doctor" in the 1970s and 1980s, when those affected by the disease were stigmatized in the country.

"He worked in cities, in rubber plantations and indigenous territories, providing support to those who needed medical care. With sadness I received the news of his death. To the family, my condolences. To the doctors who find him an inspiration, may the good teachings of Dr. Guilherme remain."

UTV broadcaster Paul Clarke travelled to Brazil to make a documentary about his work in the late 1990s.

He told how in the 1970s Bill arrived as a missionary in the Acre area and was moved by the plight of the indigenous peoples suffering from leprosy.

His response was to train as a medical doctor in Brazil in order to serve them - which later attracted the full support of the Brazilian government.

"He was able to eradicate leprosy in the state of Acre,” he said. "He never married - he was just wedded to the people he served - and to God.

"He was the most humble man. He never sought any acknowledgement for the work he did. He took no credit but said it was all done by God. He just prayed about everything."

Dr Woods' service was formally recognised with an OBE from the Queen.

He is to be buried in a private committal service this weekend. A memorial service will be arranged in due course.