THE vicar of Oxenhope Parish Church is departing to take up a new post in Leeds this autumn.

The Rev Nigel Wright, of St Mary the Virgin Church, in Hebden Bridge Road, has been in Oxenhope for nearly six years.

He is leaving to become vicar at St Edmund's Church in Roundhay, Leeds.

"It's been wonderful to have been in Oxenhope," he said. "It has been hard work because there is a lot of need in the village and the church is a central part of the community.

"People do look to the church for help and guidance and it has been a pleasure to serve them.

"The Church of England, as the state church, has the privilege of being there for everyone regardless of faith or no faith and the people of Oxenhope value that."

The Rev Wright previously trained as an accountant in Leeds, so said his new parish would not be entirely unfamiliar.

Before taking up his role in Oxenhope he served his curacy at St Mark's Church in Utley, Keighley, where he was based for three years.

During his time at St Mary's the church has benefited from a £160,000 renovation and repair programme to make its tower watertight again.

The main part of this work was done between April and November last year, and the finishing touches are now being added.

The Rev Wright, who is married with three sons and also serves as chaplain for Oxenhope Primary School, added: "I have very mixed emotions about leaving. It does feel right, but then we've been so welcomed here as a family and so well looked after that I am also sad.

"I'd like to thank people from all the different faiths I've worked with in Oxenhope and in Keighley.

"There is often a lot of bad press about religions in conflict with each other, but what I've found is that different faiths are willing to work together while rejoicing in their own beliefs."