TRIBUTES have poured in after Rev Billy Graham, who transformed American religious life through his preaching and activism, died at the age of 99 on Wednesday.

Mr Graham, who had been suffering from cancer, pneumonia and a number of other illnesses, was a counsellor to American presidents and travelled the globe to become perhaps the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history. His visits to the United Kingdom included rallies, which were frequently broadcast live through television link-up across Dorset.

His missions were passionate and had a wide appeal, with many residents speaking of the impact he had on their lives.

A Bournemouth councillor said his family’s encounter with Mr Graham made him the man he is today.

Cllr Blair Crawford was just two years of age when his parents joined thousands of others attending a meeting in his then home town of Belfast.

“Like so many others they responded to Billy’s call to get up out of their seats and respond to the gospel call,” Cllr Crawford said.

“Although I was only two years old their vibrant faith was shared with me as I grew and undoubtedly shaped my own life and faith, helping make me the man I am today.”

Ade King, 65, from Alderholt, was 15 years of age at the time of Mr Graham’s Mission England. He said: “The message was very compelling and when Billy made the call at the end and asked people to go forward I felt compelled to do so.

“It was a wonderful feeling and I just felt I had to do it. It was a life-changing decision.”

Peter Emberley from Wimborne formed part of the local Christian Gospel Group Lovelight and they sung at Mr Graham’s mission at Earl’s Court in London in 1989.

“We felt very honoured to be asked to sing for him,” Mr Emberley said.

“He was just a lovely man and I felt a mixture of emotions when I heard the news. Sad because we haven’t got him with us anymore, but happy that he’s been called home.”

Martin Oliver was the co-ordinator for Dorset during Mr Graham’s 1984 Bristol visit. Mr Oliver set up an office in Parkstone near St Osmund’s Church for a year before the event to co-ordinate involvement from local churches. He passed away three years ago, but wife Ann says that 1984 was “one of the best years of our lives”. “All the churches were united in spreading the Gospel. I found him to be an incredibly humble and gracious man,” she said.