A VICAR is cutting back on his parish duties to pursue his creative side.
The Reverend Robert Cooper, vicar of St Andrew's Church, Sadberge, near Darlington, will halve his hours as full-time parish priest in January to devote more time to photography and calligraphy skills.
He will still be available for parish duties on Sundays and will continue as chaplain of the arts and recreation for the diocese of Durham.
Mr Cooper, who has published his second photographic book about Holy Island, said: "Although I will not be doing general parish work, I see my new pursuits as helping the parish in a different way. It will give me more time to take my creative side forward. I hope to learn more about digital photography, do more calligraphy teachings and help organise retreats."
A replacement has not been named, but the new vicar will be responsible for the parish of Middleton St George.
Mr Cooper will give a slide show on his new photographic collection in Sadberge Village Hall on November 8, at 7.30pm.
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