DURHAM Constabulary's first ever divisional force chaplain is stepping down.

The Reverend Colin Lingard, who has been Darlington chaplain for eight years, is also retiring from his job as rector at Middleton St George.

Chaplain for Teesside Airport and Darlington's Air Training Corps, Mr Lingard began his working life as a trainee aircraft engineer before he was ordained 38 years ago.

He said: "One of the highlights of serving as a police chaplain for me has been being able to go out with the air support unit.

"I have enjoyed my time as chaplain very much as it is a position from which you get a good overview of all aspects of the service.

"I feel that people within the force have been as much help to me as I have to them."

Mr Lingard, 64, and his wife, Janet, have plans to travel the world, visiting one of their four daughters in Australia, friends in Canada, and taking in New Zealand.

Darlington's new chaplain is the Reverend Robert Williamson, vicar of St Cuthbert's Church.

Having been involved in work with the homeless and alcoholics during his time in Darlington, Mr Williamson says he already has a good rapport with the local police, and is hoping to build on that throughout his chaplaincy.

He said: "For me, chaplaincy is really about being a listening ear, showing pastoral concerns and on occasions giving advice if it is wanted."