AFTER 14 years in the parish, the Vicar of St Margaret's Church, Queen's Road, Ilkley, Canon Richard Hoyal is to leave for pastures new in March.

Mr Hoyal, 56, came to Ilkley in December 1989 with his wife Muriel and three daughters, after serving in Barnsley for seven years.

This year he was made an honorary Canon of Bradford Cathedral and for eight years until recently he was the Director of Ordinands for the Bradford Diocese.

Mr Hoyal said that he was offered the Bristol post after a recent visit and decided to accept this week.

He will become Priest in charge of the parish of All Saints, Clifton, All Hallows, Easton, for a term. He would then be expected to be appointed as Vicar.

Mr Hoyal said he would be sorry to be leaving Ilkley but was looking forward to the challenge of a new position.

He said: "Saint Margaret's is a wonderful church and Ilkley has been a great place to live for the past 14 years.

"It may be that St Margaret's will benefit from having a new Vicar and it may be that I will enjoy the excitement of a new challenge."