PARISHIONERS said a fond farewell to their Minister this week when he left his church after more than eight years.

The Rev Peter Hatton, of Droitwich Spa Methodist Church, took his final service on Sunday, July 28, and left the manse yesterday (Tuesday) for pastures new.

The popular minister said goodbye to parishioners at a special get-together last Saturday. The next day he took part in two services to mark the end of his time in Droitwich.

The new Minister, Richard Barley, will be taking over in September, and is due to hold his first service on September 1.

Speaking to The Advertiser, Peter said: "My family are sad to be leaving Droitwich after eight years, but Methodist ministers do move round and we feel this is the right time.

"We are only going to Worcester as I have permission to study for a year to make some progress on a part-time Doctorate on the Old Testament and then who knows?

"It has been a great privilege to be the Minister of a lively active church whose congregation are deeply involved in the community and want to share their faith with people outside their ranks.

"If Richard Barley is as well supported as I have been he will be a very fortunate man."