THE rector of the Cider Parishes in the Ledbury area, the Revd Howard Mayell, is to retire in early September, after 21 years of serving the local community.

Mr Mayell has been rector of the Cider Parishes, which include the parishes of Aylton, Little Marcle, Much Marcle with Yatton, Pixley, Putley, and Wellington Heath, since October 2015.

But before then he was a key member of the Ledbury Team Ministry, which served all the local parishes, and was based at St Michael and All Angels Church, in Ledbury.

Mr Mayell, who is married to Sheena, with two grown up children, will turn 68 in December and he believes it is time to retire at last.

But he added: "You are always going to miss some aspects of the work, such as the joy of meeting so many people."

So what now lies in store?

Mr Mayell said: "I will take a year out completely. We haven't had a weekend off for 30 years! You are working on Sundays, and then there are weddings on a Saturday"

Mr Mayell is a keen artist and he said: "I plan to paint, draw and walk. If you go anywhere you can draw; but anywhere in the Malvern Hills is good."

Mrs and Mrs Mayell plan to stay in the Ledbury area.

His farewell service as rector will take place on September 9, at 11am, in St Bartholomew's Church, Much Marcle, to be followed afterwards by a pig roast, at Westons.