IN your excellent news item last week you informed us that the Rev Gregory Stanton, incumbent of the Benefice of Milton Abbot, was leaving.

Mr Stanton has held this position for some 23 years, during which time the number of churches for which he is responsible has grown to six. Many would consider this an impossible task for one man, even with the 100% support of his wife, Joyce.

To assist him in this ominous task Mr Stanton has organised a ministry team of lay readers and suitably trained persons to help with the conduct of services. In this way the spreading of the Gospel has continued with each church having at least two services each month.

Mr Stanton is a man of the deepest religious conviction who cares for his flock with love and diligence what is one to think if a man who is known to have drive in from Milton Abbot to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, five times in one day, beginning at five in the morning to visit sick parishioners?

Mr Stanton is the best priest I have served under in my 56 years as a lay reader. he is a man of great kindness and compassion. Joyce, his wife, also a lay reader, is ever by his side, helping, supporting and caring for him. This then is a story of devotion to Jesus Christ and the Christian Church that is all too rare these days.

Mr and Mrs Stanton will be greatly missed. We thank them for all they have done over the years and wish them well in their new venture. Our loss is Bovey Tracey's gain.

Geoffrey Willetts

Tavistock