A POPULAR village vicar has decided to give up some of his parish duties to pursue his creative side.

In January, the Rev Robert Cooper, vicar of St Andrew's in Sadberge, near Darlington, intends to halve his hours as full-time parish priest to devote more time to his skills as a photographer and calligrapher.

In his new role, he will still be available for parish duties every Sunday and he will continue his work as chaplain of the arts and recreation for the Diocese of Durham.

Just back from a four-month sabbatical, which took him to Brighton, Sunderland, London and a retreat in Merseyside, he also spent time on his beloved Holy Island - the photographic topic of his debut book and newly-published second volume.

In the second book, Island of Light, prayers to go with each photograph have been written by the Rev David Adam, vicar of Holy Island.

But Mr Cooper's talents are not limited to life behind a lens. He is a skilled calligrapher and teacher of the handwriting craft, and is also keen to spend part of his spare time organising retreats for people.

He said: "I am not leaving the parish but I am going to step down to half-time. Although I will not be doing general parish work, I see my new pursuits as helping the parish in a different way. It will give me more time to take my creative side forward. I hope to learn more about digital photography, do more calligraphy teachings and help organise retreats for people."

A replacement has not yet been named, but the new vicar will also be responsible for the parish of Middleton St George.

At 7.30 on November 8, Mr Cooper will give a slide show presentation of his new photographic collection in Sadberge Village Hall.