A VILLAGE vicar is moving to pastures new after suffering five years of hatred from some of his parishioners.

The Rev George Senior says he became 'despondent' after he arrived at St Michael and All Angels', Foulridge, in 1992.

In a frank farewell message in the church magazine, he writes: "I had met with apathy from some and so much hate from others (some who claim to be devout followers of Our Lord Jesus), hatred which has lasted five long, tiresome years in some cases."

Fr Senior, who moves to Lincoln after Foulridge's harvest service in two weeks, says animosity is to be expected.

"Some will hate you and your ministry simply because they are the devil's children and are evil, others because they allow the ridicule of others to overwhelm them," he says.

But he takes comfort from the people who have not rejected him: "I look to the many friends and colleagues who have accompanied me these last five years and I rejoice at the rich harvest which together we have wrought.

"My wife and I have gained so much. As I follow my Lord's command to move on I thank Him for these last five years and I thank those who have walked it with me. We have learnt much together and achieved much together for the glory of God."

Fr Senior was not available for comment yesterday.

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