CANON Chris Hayward, rector at St Michael and All Angels' Church, Linton-in-Craven, is to retire.

He will hold his last service on Sunday before retiring to Burley-in-Wharfedale with his wife, Ann.

Mr Hayward, 65, moved to the parish in March 1992 and for the last five years has also acted as priest in charge of Burnsall and Rylstone.

He also served a term as rural dean of Skipton. The deanery will say farewell to him at a eucharist at Holy Trinity, Skipton, next Friday, October 24.

"I have seen an enormous amount of change, but life goes on and new people come in," he said.

Canon Hayward was ordained in Southwark, London, in 1965, and worked in the city and the Midlands before moving to Bradford in 1983.

He took up the post of executive secretary of the Board of Mission, which was linked to being a residentiary canon at Bradford Cathedral.

As part of that role, he helped to develop the link with North Sudan, was heavily involved in interfaith work and looked at how the ministry could be promoted among visitors and tourists in rural areas.

"I have found a lot of friendship in the diocese and I am very glad to be part of it," said Canon Hayward. "It has been a fulfilling time because I especially enjoy dealing with people.

"But human issues are the same wherever you are. Although the surroundings here in Grassington are obviously very beautiful, they don't protect people from the problems of life."

Canon Hayward and his wife have two adult children.