A RESPECTED Tiverton minister will be giving his last service in the town in August as he prepares for retirement.

During his five years at Tiverton Methodist Church, the Rev Alan Rothwell said he had made close friends in his congregation and was pleased with the work he had accomplished.

He told the Star one of his proudest moments was helping to set up a street pastor service, making sure people got home safely when out in the town at night.

He said: “The pastors have been a great benefit to the town.

“I was also chaplain to the Mayor for a year, which I enjoyed very much.

“I went to council meetings and got to see the hard work the councillors do for the community.”

The Rev Rothwell, who will be moving to Exeter, will hold his last service at Tiverton Methodist Church on August 14 at 6.30pm.

He said: “It will be an emotional day because it will be my final farewell in a way.

“I’ll still continue to preach, but it won’t be as demanding as it is at the moment.

“I’ve made some close friends who I’ll keep in touch with and see from time to time.”

Along with his preaching work, the Rev Rothwell’s time in Tiverton also saw him help organise the refurbishment of the church, now used by the Little Stars pre-school and Sue Wightmore Ballet School.

After his departure the Rev Paul Booth will take over his pastoral work at Tiverton Methodist Church.