A METHODIST minister, who has seen the number of chapels in his care shrink from nine to seven in the past year, is moving on.

But when he takes over his ministry in the Tyne Valley in August, the Reverend Les Hann will still be responsible for four chapels.

He preaches at seven chapels in Weardale, after witnessing the closure of St John's Chapel and Wearhead chapels through dwindling congregations.

In his new post he will be responsible for chapels at Haltwhistle, Acomb, Hallbankgate and Haydon Bridge.