MEMBERS of the Roman Catholic Church in Okehampton and Chagford are preparing to bid a fond farewell to their priest, Father Peter Morgan as he moves to take over the Catholic Church in St Austell.

A number of events are being held in his last week including the grand autumn bazaar in the Charter Hall, Okehampton this Saturday October 29 at 9.30am.

The chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Monica Soby, said: 'It is with enormous sadness that we say goodbye to Father Peter who has been with us for some nine years and worked diligently to build the church up to the great success that it is today.

'The church bazaar is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we are looking for a bumper turn out to mark Father's last weekend.

The bazaar includes a draw for a massive wicker hamper and all the usual stalls packed with home produce, books, jewellery, cakes, CDs and DVDs as well as games and raffles for all ages. Bacon sandwiches will also be on sale and everyone is welcome.'

The new Catholic priest for St Boniface Roman Catholic Church in Okehampton and Holy Family Church in Chagford is to be Father Darline Maria Neathean who will take over with immediate effect.