THE vicar of Horrabridge and Sampford Spiney is leaving for pastures new, after ?a very enjoyable time? in West Devon.

The Rev Colin Furness came to the parish 13 years ago from an urban ministry and said moving to a rural area had been ?a steep learning curve, but one I?ve enjoyed?.

Changes during his time here have included a modernisation of the style of service and more involvement with the community.

He said: ?We are, in particular, much more involved with the local school and local organisations.?

?It has been a very enjoyable time, but I was was asked to move to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Chard, which is a market town. It will be a new challenge which I am looking forward to, and is a larger parish ? more Tavistock-style,? he explained.

The farewell services for Mr Furness will be at St John the Baptist Church in Horrabridge on Sunday, January 19 at 10am and at St Mary?s Church in Sampford Spiney at 3pm the same day.