The Rev Chris Johnson has retired as chaplaincy manager at Bradford Teaching Hospitals after 12 years.

Mr Johnson, who took up his post as a Christian chaplain in November 2000 after a spell with Leeds Teaching Hospitals, has worked hard to administer to patients and staff as well as overseeing the development of the hospitals’ chaplaincy service.

Assistant chief nurse and chaplaincy manager Shelley Bailey said: “Chris has developed an active chaplaincy volunteer service, supported a gold standard bereavement service and acted as a champion for the spiritual wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors at the Foundation Trust.

“He will be remembered as a caring and supportive individual who brightened people’s days with his kind words and happy smiling face.”

The process to find a replacement is under way.