AS Easter approaches Canon Ian Fox prepares to say a fond farewell to his ministry in Northallerton and move to pastures new.

Having spent half his ordained ministry in the market town, Cannon Fox said it has been a privilege and pleasure to be the local vicar.

However, he believes it is time to let someone new follow in his footsteps and continue the work he has been so passionate about for more than 17 years.

"I have just six years before retirement at 65 and it is the right time to move on. I have done a lot of work here and now the parish needs someone younger to come in and build on the work I have set up," he said.

His full brief has been vicar of All Saints' Church with St James' at Romanby and St Lawrence's at Kirby Sigston.

Canon Fox will conduct his last service at All Saints' on April 6 before setting off to Barlby-with-Riccall, near Selby, to take his place as priest-in-charge.

Taking on a less demanding role, Canon Fox said he is looking forward to knowing his congregation on a more personal level.

"The population is about 6,000, just a third of what it is in Northallerton, and I'm hoping there will be more pastoral care on a personal level," he said.

Canon Fox's active life over the years has seen him ordain eight curates, introduce the alternative song book in 1987, take over as Friarage chaplain in 1988, preside at the centenary service for North Yorkshire County Council in 1989 and become canon of York in 1995. He also developed the parish offices to include modern IT equipment and organised about £100,000 worth of work on the fabric of the church.