YATE’S team rector has bid a fond farewell to the parish he has come to know and love.

The Rev David Harrex is leaving his post after 12 years but says he will miss the growing sense of community spirit in Yate and surrounding villages.

Speaking to the Gazette before his departure to Yatton, in North Somerset, Mr Harrex said: "I have really enjoyed working with the people of the parish, other churches and Yate Town Council and in my role as governor at St Mary’s Primary School.

"The highlight of ministry for me is to work not just within the local church but with the people in the community.

"I think that is in an important part and I thank the whole community I have become a part of and the hundreds of people I have met through weddings, baptisms and funerals. My time here has been a privilege."

Mr Harrex, 58, joined the team at St Mary’s Church in Yate, with responsibility for St Nicholas Church in Abbotswood, St James the Great in Westerleigh and St Peter’s Church in Wapley, in 2000 after leaving the Severnside parish. In 2008, he also took on ministerial duties for St James the Less Church in Iron Acton.

He said he was proud to be leaving at a time when community is more important than ever.

"One of the best things about Yate and surrounding areas is there is a strong feeling of community and coming together," said Mr Harrex, who has been a vicar for 23 years. "I have witnessed a community that is able to come alongside and work together and that is a real positive.

"That has been growing in the past 10 years and there is a real goodwill factor."

Mr Harrex said recent concerns over the safety of vicars, following the death of the Rev John Suddards in Thornbury, had made the clergy team in Yate more aware of the way they approach ministry.

But it has not put him off as Mr Harrex is to continue as a vicar in Cleeve, Calverham and south Yatton, accompanied by his wife Liza.

"The time is right for a new challenge," he said.

Mr Harrex led his last service at St Mary’s on Sunday and met with parishioners at a special lunch in Yate on Saturday and in Iron Acton on Sunday.

Lay minister Wully Perks said: "So many families have found him amazing. He shows real care and concern and has a wonderful way."

Mr Harrex's replacement has not yet been announced.