REDDITCH residents have bid a fond farewell to a town vicar leaving for parishes new after 10 years of service.
Rev Andrew Smith (pictured), vicar of St George's Church, is seeking "fresh challenges and experiences" when he leaves Redditch for a West Bromwich parish at the end of the month.
He said his time in Redditch, including three years at St Stephen's Church, was "hugely rewarding" and he would greatly miss his parishioners.
"Working in Redditch has shaped my future and I've learned so much from my parishioners.
"I've loved every minute of it and I'm sad to go but I'm looking forward to tackling something entirely different," he said.
Mr Smith played an instrumental role in helping schools during the Redditch Review and will continue as Redditch and Bromsgrove PCT vice-chairman until October.
A farewell service will be held for the Rev Smith this Sunday (July 31) at St George's Church, St George's Road, at 6pm.
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