A RETIRING reverend has been given a warm send off from her community with a police inspector leading tributes for her good work.

Brenda Jones will officially step down from being priest at Woodhouse Close Church in Bishop Auckland at the end of the month.

Although she has only been at the church for just over six years, her congregation and colleagues said she has made a big difference to the community on the Woodhouse Close estate.

As well as leading the church on Proudfoot Drive, whose volunteers operate numerous schemes including meals on wheels and a furniture donation programme, Rev Jones has also been a chaplain for the town’s police.

Neighbourhood inspector for Bishop Auckland Martin Peace said she had been a big support for his team and the residents of Woodhouse Close.

He said: “Brenda’s church is not just a building where services are held, it is the people in the community.

“She takes the church out to the people, regardless of their faith and beliefs, and she and her volunteers have worked tirelessly to really help people and make a difference in their lives.”

Inspector Peace said Rev Jones has also always had the best interests of her community at heart.

He said: “She has spoken very passionately about issues such as welfare reforms, especially the bedroom tax, and has seen firsthand how they are affecting people.

“We are sorry to see her go but wish her all the best.”

Methodist Minister Keith Phipps said: “Brenda has made an invaluable contribution to the life of the church and in particular the community.”

A farewell service was held at the church on Sunday afternoon (January 26) and Rev Jones admitted it was an emotional occasion.

Rev Jones will move to her previous home in Chester-le-Street but said she will visit Bishop Auckland.

Her career started in the banking sector before she became a community worker in Gateshead.

She was ordained in 2004 after her own Reverend Bill Taylor said she could do good work in the church.

Rev Jones said: “There have been some wonderful things at Woodhouse, some challenges as well but I shall be taking away some wonderful memories and will always hold the people here dear.”