THORNBURY will be saying a fond farewell to one of the community’s most prominent figures.

Later this month Rev David Primrose will be leaving the town after seven-and-a-half years for pastures new.

The parish vicar is heading north to the Diocese of Lichfield in Staffordshire, where he will take on a new role as director of transforming communities.

Mr Primrose, 55, will no longer have responsibility for one parish but will service a much larger area helping churches develop in their local communities.

He said: "I am not going to be parish based but will be supporting others going into the community, which is what I have enjoyed doing here.

"It is sad to leave but I also know it is the right contribution to make to the church and its wider ministry."

Whilst at Thornbury Mr Primrose has been responsible for St Mary’s and St Paul’s, as well as St Arilda in Oldbury and Shepperdine Chapel.

During the last seven years Mr Primrose has been involved in many projects at the church and within the community.

He has been involved in the Thornbury Churches Together, helped establish a youth worker in the Castle School, initiated the Faith Action Audit, was part of founding Thornbury FM, started the Open the Book outreach programme in local primary schools and has led the reordering of St Mary’s Church.

"The reordering is a huge investment in the future. I know that any incumbent coming to Thornbury will be very excited at the potential that the reordered church will have both for worship and ministry and I wish them well with that," he said.

"My time here has been delightful, fulfilling, inspirational and joyous. May God continue to bless you."

Wife Alison will continue her job as head teacher of Bristol Grammar Lower School until July next year, before joining her husband.

While a replacement is found the majority of Mr Primrose’s responsibilities will be carried by the church wardens and the area Dean Rev Rob Axford at Wotton-under-Edge. A new vicar is not expected to start before next summer.

A final farewell service for Mr Primrose will be held at St Mary’s Church, Thornbury, on Sunday, October 31 (11am). It will be followed by a bring and share lunch.