THE longest serving clergy person in Braintree has moved on to pastures anew.

Charles Mason, 65, became vicar of St Michael's Church in Braintree in January 2001, but held his last ever service in the town on Sunday July 3.

Mr Mason and his wife Harsha, were delighted to welcome 160 guests to a farewell lunch on the day.

In his fifteen years in the town the reverend has seen Braintree change rapidly.

He said: "I remember in my early days walking the very few streets in Great Notley, discussing with Lex Morrison, then Rector of Black Notley, where the boundary between our parishes should be.

"St Michaels Parish has since gained The Hawthorns and Meadow Park off Tortoiseshell Way, new developments off Clare Road and near the station, and most recently Cecily Avenue on the site of the Courtauld Hospital in London Road.”

There have also been changes to the church building as well, making the building a more welcoming place to bring people in.

Mr Mason said: “Of course Harsha and I are looking forward to the fresh challenges and opportunities of our next parish, and making new friends, but we appreciate enormously the welcome we had when we came here, and all the support and encouragement we have received since.

"A great number of people share in the ministry at St Michaels, and we shall look back on it as a church which has always been eager to proclaim the Christian message and serve the community of Braintree in practical ways.”

Mr Mason will now take up a part-time appointment in Waltham St Lawrence in rural Berkshire.

The process of finding Mr Mason's successor is under way between the Parish, the Patrons and the Bishop of Colchester.

While it may take a few months for a new person to arrive, the church's Sunday services will carry on as usual.