THE autumn bazaar organised by members of the Roman Catholic Church in Okehampton was a bitter-sweet occasion this year, as it marked the farewell of priest Father Peter Morgan.

Father Peter has served St Boniface Roman Catholic Church in Okehampton and Holy Family Church, Chagford, for the past nine years, and is moving on to the Catholic Church in St Austell.

The bazaar, held at the Charter Hall last Saturday, marked a chance for parishioners to bid farewell to Father Peter, who said he enjoyed his final weekend in Okehampton: 'The bazaar went really well this year, raising a wonderful £1,500 for the church. Many more people than normal turned up and it was so lovely to see everyone.

'It's very sad really, to be moving on from a place that I love surrounded by such wonderful people.

'But I shall be experiencing new challenges and that is something I am looking forward to.

'I shall look back on my time here very fondly. I have loved it here and grown very fond of the area and people here. It will always hold a special place in my heart.'

The new Catholic priest for St Boniface and Holy Family Church is to be Father Darline Marianathan, who has taken over with immediate effect.