ONE of the staff, at Tavistock parish church, the Rev Tim Treanor, has received an unexpected call to assist in the Otter Vale Team in east Devon, it was announced last week.

The Rector of Ottery St Mary is recovering from serious illness, and the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, has asked Mr Treanor, as an experienced curate, to move to that team in order to provide support and help in its parishes.

Mr Treanor has been assistant curate of Tavistock and Gulworthy since 2008.

The priest-in-charge of Tavistock and Gulworthy, the Rev Michael Brierley, said: 'This is a sad day for us, but a new opportunity for Tim, and I am extremely grateful to him for all that he has done locally here and I know that I speak for all the people whom he has served. We wish him and his wife Emma well.'

Mr Treanor said: 'We feel very fortunate to have lived in this tremendous community for two years.

'Emma has enjoyed working in Tavistock Hospital and I have learned a great deal being with Michael and his ministry team.

'I am very privileged to have shared some of the joys and sadness of all sorts of people. You have taught me so much. Thank you.'

Mr Treanor's last Sunday in Tavistock and Gulworthy will be Sunday October 31. After his last service at 9.45am in St Eustachius' Church that day, parishioners will hold a farewell lunch for him and Emma in the parish centre. All are invited both to the service and the lunch.