MYSTERY surrounds the sacking of the Spa's Baptist minister.

The Rev Charlie Radburn, who joined Droitwich Spa's Baptist Church last year, has had his job terminated. But the reasons for him being sacked are still unknown.

Members of the church received letters last week telling them that his position had been terminated but the letter did not explain why. It is understood that at a recent meeting, church deacons voted against Mr Radburn staying by six to two.

The married father-of-two featured in The Advertiser last year when he took up the post and said at the time that he wanted to bring a sense of community, closeness and friendship to the church.

Speaking to The Advertiser this week, a member of the church, who did not wish to be named, said: "Charlie was an excellent and very popular man who really bought a breath of fresh air into the church and I, along with many other people will miss him greatly."

A statement made by the church officers said: "In the interests of both church and minister, the appointment of the Reverend Charles Radburn as minister of Droitwich Spa Baptist Church has been concluded. The church members have appreciated the contribution made by the Reverend Radburn and they wish him well as he seeks new avenues for his ministry."

The Rev Radburn declined to comment.