A VICAR who once rode a horse up Roseberry Topping is retiring from the ministry after 40 years.

Phillip Bishop, rector of St Nicholas Church, in Guisborough, is hanging up his dog collar after a career that has taken him from factory floors to the pulpit at York Minster.

Mr Bishop, originally from London, trained at the capital's King's College before being appointed as assistant curate near Wolverhampton.

He then took up posts in Middlesbrough and Stepney, in London's East End, before joining the industrial mission in Sheffield.

With the backing of management and the trade unions, he provided spiritual advice in factories and offices for nine years.

He said: "I remember one incident when a worker had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. His manager was very relieved when I walked into his office, as he knew I could help his workmates cope with their grief when he man died. I was able to minister to his family and to his colleagues."

After nine years, Mr Bishop had to decide if he wanted to stay in industrial chaplaincy for the rest of his career or go back into parish work.

He became a vicar at Great Ayton, near Middlesbrough, from 1982 to 1989, when he moved to Guisborough, where he has been rector ever since.

While at Great Ayton, he learned to horse ride on Roseberry Topping and navigated his horse, Mayday, up the North Yorkshire landmark while raising £500 for the church coffers.

He said: "A sea of walkers parted as I rode through and I heard someone mutter, It's that crazy vicar on his horse again'."

His final service will be held at St Nicholas on Sunday, May 18, at 10.30am, followed by a farewell lunch.