Ledbury Rector, Dr Colin Beevers, will retire this summer and move to Worcester, after serving local people for over 12 years.

Dr Beevers said the local move would enable his wife Ann and himself to keep in touch with the many good friends they have made over the years in Ledbury.

In Worcester, Dr Beevers plans to get involved with an amateur performance of Messiah at this year's Three Choirs Festival and help out as a volunteer for the event.

A steam train enthusiast, Dr Beevers also plans to "shovel coal" on the Gloucester-shire and Warwickshire Railway.

Alongside Mrs Beevers, he will further indulge his enjoyment of travel.

In autumn 2003, Dr and Mrs Beevers went to New Zealand for six months, where Dr Beevers worked as a rector on exchange.

He said Ledbury's team ministry system, set up by a Royal Statute when he became rector, would continue and a new rector would be appointed.

He said that leaving would be a very sad time and added that every wedding, baptism and funeral he had carried out was a special memory for him.

Dr Beevers' final service will be at 10am on Sunday, July 3, at St Michael and All Angels' Church.