BRONINGTON'S long-serving vicar, Reverend Clive Hughes, has been bid farewell by the community as he retires.

Rev Clive has been the area for 17 years, overseeing churches in Bronington, Bettisfield and Penley.

On Wednesday, the children from Bronington School said farewell and thank you to Rev Hughes and his wife Sue.

Vanessa Brodie, a governor at the school, said Rev Clive had worked hard over the years.

She said: "Rev Clive and Sue have supported the school during these years by taking regular sessions of worship and by welcoming the children to Holy Trinity Church Bronington.

"Clive has also worked very hard as a governor at Bronington School."