Several services have been held to mark the retirement of a well-loved priest in Pendle.
The Rev. Priestly Brook, of Trawden, has been a stalwart of the community in Colne for more than 20 years and is set to retire from the Colne and Villages Parish on his 70th birthday.
The residents and staff of Favordale, Grange and Sycamore Rise registered homes bade farewell to their Anglican priest by holding special services and presentations.
And the children and staff of St Michael and All Angels Primary School, Foulridge, and Christ Church Primary School, Colne, held a staging of “This Is Your Life”.
Mr Brook was accompanied by his wife Christine and the pupils drew on their experiences of the many aspects of his ministry to the schools and presented him with the appropriate “Big Red Books”.
With a capacity congregation, a service of celebration to give thanks for his ministry and to mark his retirement was held at St Michael and All Angels Church, Foulridge.
In addition to the members of the five churches of the parish, many who had previous church connections with Mr Brook travelled far.
Prior to a buffet, a presentation of gifts from the parish was made to the couple.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Brook said: “These farewell occasions again demonstrate the friendship and generosity of so many who not only have contributed to my ministry, but to the wider ministry of church, school and community”.