A  well-known clergywoman has taken her last service at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon before leaving to live in Cornwall.

Reverend Canon Joanna Abecassis took her last Candlemas service on Sunday, January 28 at Holy Trinity Church.

She has been Rector of the Benefice of Bradford on Avon Holy Trinity, Westwood and Wingfield since 2013, having arrived in the diocese as Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity in 2010.

Afterwards, she said farewell to all the parishioners from the three churches who attended a drop-in event to wish her well in retirement.

Revd Canon Abecassis said: "In a sense it is sad and in a sense it was all anticipated and planned. I'm in a kind of no-man's land at the moment.

"I will be leaving on February 19 to live down in Cornwall. I used to live in Devon before I came to Bradford on Avon and know the area very well."

A spokesperson for Bradford on Avon Town Council said: “During her time at Holy Trinity Church, Joanna significantly developed the church's role in our community.  

“The town council is especially grateful for her role in leading the town's Remembrance commemorations each year.”

It could take several months to fill the vacancy created by her departure.