LEAVING behind one of the most picturesque churches in the land is Canon Chris Hayward, who gave his final service at St Michael and All Angels' Church, Linton, on Sunday.

Mr Hayward has retired to Burley-in-Wharfedale after 11 years at the Linton parish, which also covers Grassington. He also served a term as rural dean of Skipton.

He was ordained in Southwark, London, in 1965 and has also worked in the Midlands and Bradford.