A DEAN conducted his last services on Sunday before stepping down from the post.

The Very Reverend John Arnold, dean of Durham Cathedral, has retired after 13 years to take up the role of a supporting clergyman in Canterbury.

He is on study leave, and will retain the title of dean until December 31.

Until the new dean takes over early next year, the vice-dean, Canon Martin Kitchen, will oversee the cathedral's running.

To mark Dr Arnold's departure, the cathedral staged a farewell event attended by the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, Pastor Wolfgang Grusnick, of Lubeck Cathedral in Germany, the Reverend Dr Keith Clements, general secretary of the Conference of European Churches, and representatives from the cathedral, the community, and other local churches.

Dr Arnold said: "After evensong there were speeches and presentations.

"It was good to have such a happy and celebratory event.

"I had mixed feelings, but I have had a good innings and the time has come to go."