A METHODIST preacher who has spent half a century ministering at the pulpit has been presented with a certificate for his years of loyal service.

The Rev Anne Smith, superintendent minister for the South West Worcestershire Circuit, presented the honour to Bob Ball on behalf of the Methodist Conne-xion during a packed service at Lansdowne Crescent Methodist Church, Malvern.

Taking part in the service were other ministers of the circuit including the Rev Alison Richards, the Rev Jane Wilson, the Rev Jon Musselwhite, senior circuit steward Philip Weth-erall and Richard Foot representing the other local preachers on the circuit.

Mr Ball gave an address relating his own experiences from the time when he began his preaching career as a member of a youth mission team in Wiltshire. He paid tribute to his wife May for all her help and encouragement over the years.