IT IS with mixed feelings that Okehampton curate Paul Fitzpatrick will leave the town in February to take up a new post in Whipton, Exeter.

After almost four years in Okehampton, where he has formed a strong bond with the community, the curate is moving onwards and upwards as priest-in-charge of two churches covering a population of 15,000 people.

Okehampton has been the Rev Fitzpatrick's first appointment in the church, having spent 20 years in the Royal Navy and he says he could not have wished for a better placement.

'My wife, Yvonne, and I have absolutely loved it here — first and foremost because of the people who have been extremely open and accepting and easy to get on with, secondly the beautiful countryside and thirdly the fact that we have been useful.

'Okehampton has always been a place where curates come to train and I always knew my time here would be relatively short but I will be leaving with tremendous sadness.'

Originally from London, Mr Fitzpatrick has adapted well to country life and he even joined the Dartmoor Rescue Group because of his love of the moor and his desire to help people.

He said it was a great privilege to be a priest and help people along life's journey.

'We are there for the highs and lows in people's lives which is a privileged position to be in,' he said. 'Perhaps the most important lesson I have learnt from my time here is how to be a priest in the community — when and how to talk to people and when to leave people alone and when to pray.'

Mr Fitzpatrick said what he had gained from working in the Okehampton Team Ministry, which covers seven churches and 92 square miles, far exceeded what he had given and the support and love from local people would stay with him a long time.

During the foot and mouth crisis which swept the area, local clergy played a big part in supporting farmers and the community in general.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who spoke emotionally about his experiences at Devon County Council's public inquiry into the crisis recently, said he did not believe there was one person in the area who had not been affected in some way.

'It was a difficult time for me but it was for everybody,' said the curate. 'Through the church we were able to set up a local farm crisis network and this, coupled with the work by all the other agencies and organisations including West Devon Borough Council, the CAB and psychological intervention nurses, meant there was a good support system, although the pain and difficulties are still there and will be for many years to come.'

Secretary of Inwardleigh Parish Church Anne Vallance said the curate was a great help during foot and mouth and one of his biggest strengths was his approachability.

'People accept him as one of them,' she said. 'The kids say 'Hi, Paul' when they see him and that is the way he likes it.

'Paul is a great teacher to the young people — he makes learning fun and history come alive and everything he does he puts his heart and soul into it.'

Mr Fitzpatrick's last service at All Saints Parish Church will be on February 10.