St Stephen's Church at Steeton is bidding a sad farewell to its vicar, who has given three years of devoted service.

Rev Martyn Pinnock and his wife Dottie will leave for America at the end of this month, when the vicar will become the priest in charge of St Anne's Parish in Scotsville, Virginia.

Their move has been motivated by a strong desire to help with the on-going care of their grandchildren to eldest son Duncan, in Virginia. Younger son Nick, who lives in Reading, will shortly be going to Thailand.

Mr Pinnock said: "It's always sad to leave. There is so much that hasn't been started. I just hope I have achieved something."

Leaving some lasting words to the congregation, he said: "Just to remember that they are the church."

In his time at St Stephen's, Mr Pinnock has introduced more services and different forms of worship to encourage families and children to attend.

An 'Open House' service was started at the end of last year, which is a caf style worship session, including games, stories and drama, taking place on the second Sunday of every month.

Their final service will be on Sunday, November 20, when the congregation will join together to wish them goodbye.

Mr Pinnock and his wife fly out on Monday, November 21. Mr Pinnock starts at his new church in Virginia the Sunday after.

St Stephen's is now in the care of the church wardens, and a priest from within the South Craven Deanery will lead the services after Mr Pinnock's departure.