FATHER Christopher Penn, the priest-in-charge for Holsworthy, Hollacombe and Milton Damerel, will be leaving Holsworthy Benefice in January, to take up a position as Rector of two parishes in the diocese of Hereford, writes Christine Williams.

Mr Penn, pictured, came to Holsworthy from the Welsh borders just over three years ago and was licensed at an official ceremony in the church of St Peter and St Paul.

Writing in the parish magazine he said: “I will be very sad to leave Holsworthy as I have always felt blessed here.

“I will always look back at my time here with fondness and with many happy memories. I pray that God will quickly raise up a new priest for you and that you will not be long in interregnum.”