PARISH church members in Colne were dismayed to hear that Rector Reverend Peter Mott and his wife Anne were leaving town.

But Mr Mott, who has led the historic church for the past nine years, says that despite this he believes it is time to move on.

And in his final message to parishioners the popular cleric said the greatest compliment they could pay him would be for him to hear in the months and years ahead that they were still "pressing on to establish the Kingdom of God in Colne."

Writing in the August issue of the parish magazine, Mr Mott, who is going to a new post in Keighley, says ministers were apostolic men who were parachuted into particular situations to give leadership and encouragement to the local church.

He said that this did not depend on any individual, but on the work of the Holy Spirit in the whole congregation.