ONE of the leaders of the Hereford Diocese will retire, with his work praised by the bishop.

The Very Revd Michael Tavinor, Dean of Hereford, has been involved with the Church in Herefordshire and Shropshire for more than 20 years.

The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, said he had been a "heartbeat" for the cathedral.

The dean is the head and chair of the chapter of canons, the ruling body of Hereford Cathedral, while the diocese itself stretches from Ludlow to Ross-on-Wye.

“Through his prayerfulness and liturgical skill, Michael has been a heartbeat for the Cathedral for nearly twenty years," the bishop said.

"He has served in a number of roles over his long and distinguished ministry in the Church of England. His gentle, self-effacing grace and good humour mark out a ministry setting a perfect tone for many occasions over his years at the Cathedral, including my own enthronement service earlier this year.

"As Dean he has brought the history of the cathedral and her community to life through his speaking and writing. In the chained library and Mappa Mundi he has created one of the most visited attractions in Herefordshire, which will be enjoyed by future generations.

"Throughout the changing seasons Michael has remained an outstanding colleague and friend to the cathedral and wider diocesan family. He will be greatly missed by all and we all wish him every blessing as the transition to retirement begins.”