SUNDAY’S 5th Sunday of the month Three Parishes service of Holy Communion at Settle Parish Church, was an occasion to mark the retirement of Rev Paul Fisher after 53 years of church ministry.

St Alkelda’s church choir, led by Ellie Everhart, joined the event. Music was a feature of the service as Rev Fisher is a talented organist, has written many pieces for the organ and has led recitals at Holy Ascension, playing the elderly but still magnificent Binns organ. On Sunday organist, Graham Toft, was putting it through its paces.

Afterwards, Paul, who has been a member of the local clergy team for a number of years, handed back his set of church keys to Rev Julie Clarkson. Church members wished Paul and his wife, Sue, a long and happy retirement together.