A vicar will be moving on to new pastures after a decade in the job.

The Rev Simon Garwood will be leaving his role as vicar at St Nicolas Church, on Chipping Hill, Witham, at the beginning of February.

But he will not be moving far as he leaves to become priest-in-charge in Kelvedon and Feering.

Mr Garwood, who is team vicar for the Witham Team Ministry, said: “I have been here for just over ten years so it is time to move and I am going to two parishes I know well.

“It is quite a good fit for my skills and experience of what the parishes need.

“It is also a good move for my family. I have two children - one in sixth form and one at special school.”

The United Benefice of Kelvedon and Feering includes responsibility for the area’s two churches, Kelvedon St Mary’s and Feering All Saints.

Mr Garwood said: “I have benefited enormously from our ten years here and it has given a lot to me and my family so I have got regrets about moving on, but I recognise the time is right.”