A TOWN bids farewell to its vicar tonight as he moves to pastures new after 18 years.
Father Raymond Cuthbertson, vicar at St John's Church, Shildon, is to take up a post at Hartlepool and North Tees Hospital at the end of next month.
The 52-year-old said he, his wife, Suzanne, and sons Dom and Jonny would take with them many fond memories of the town that was his first post as a vicar.
He said: "It was a hard decision to make but this job came along and I feel that the time is right to move on.''
Friends have organised a farewell drink for the vicar at Old Shildon Club tonight at 7.30pm.
He will take his final service at the church on Sunday, August 29, at 9.30am.
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