THE VICAR who instigated the Callington pancake race is off to pastures new — on the other side of Cornwall.

The Rev Peter Sharpe, who has spent almost eight years as Rector of Callington, will begin his new post as priest-in-charge of St Keverne with Coverack on the Lizard, after Easter.

Recently Mr Sharpe's role has been extended to include the parishes of Stoke Climsland and Linkinhorne, St Ive, South Hill and he is also Rural Dean of East Wivelshire.

He said this week he was looking forward to being responsible for a smaller number of churches but would miss Callington.

'It is always hard when you move on,' he said. 'I have been involved with all sorts of things from attending town council meetings to midsummer bonfires on Kit Hill to helping the community when tragic events happen like the M5 crash last year which deeply affected the people here.'

Two Ginsters lorries were involved in the crash which killed local man Kye Thomas, 38.

'There are many things which I will remember not least starting the pancake race and Churches Together in Callington which has worked for the community, including setting up the foodbank.

'Working with the town council has also been a good experience because there is no politics involved — everyone does their best for the good of the town.'

Mr Sharpe's new ministry will include the benefice of St Ruan with St Grade and Landewednack and he will be responsible for four churches instead of six.

'As rural dean I have had diocesan responsibilities that have taken me away from the parishes so I am keen to get back to a parish ministry.'

Mr Sharpe was presented with a framed photograph of Florence Road, Kelly Bray, in the snow by the town council at its meeting last week.

Portreeve Karen Gold said she appreciated all the support Mr Sharpe had given to her and the town council over the last eight years.