THE rector of St Nicholas' Church was surrounded by friends and family as he celebrated the silver anniversary of his ordination.

The Rev David Capron was ordained at Coventry Cathedral on June 27, 1976, and his first service was spent at St Mary Magdalen in Coventry where he stayed for four years.

After this, he became vicar of Shottery in Stratford and served there for seven and a half years.

He then became team rector of St Clare in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, where he remained until 1990 before moving to Alcester.