THE Archbishop of York has paid moving tribute to Nelson Mandela, describing him as a “truly great human being."

Marking his life on BBC Radio Two’s Pause for Thought, Dr John Sentamu described him as “a symbol of hope, an icon for fairness, and a beacon for reconciliation.”

He continued: “His legacy will continue in our global village long after his body has been laid to rest.

“Mandela was arrested and detained not for crimes against others, but for standing up for others. He turned the other cheek when he could have delivered swift retribution.

“When he was eventually released from his incarceration in 1990, this great fighter for freedom used his liberty to work for peace and forgiveness throughout the nation and the wider world.

“Even when he was twice given the reins of power through a landslide electoral victory, Mandela refused to indulge in vengeance.

"He realised that although the past could never be forgotten, old injustices must be put to one side if a new more hopeful future was ever to be realised.

“The greater good of a nation depended on magnanimity, generosity, hope and trust. Mandela led the nation to freedom.

“Archbishop Desmond Tutu's vision of renewal through restorative justice was reflected in Nelson Mandela's encouragement of black people to focus their rage into acts of reconciliation.

“We should all follow the example that Nelson Mandela has left us.

“He was a true human being who stood up for lasting justice whilst suffering great personal injustice - defeating unfairness with hope.”