Vicar gives up the pulpit for the pen

The Reverend James Scantlebury, pictured, of the United Benefice of Harden and Wilsden - two amalgamated Church of England parishes - is retiring today to concentrate on writing.

The 54-year-old already has a synopsis written for a book called Leap Ye Lame for Joy which will focus on the relationship between Christianity and disability.

Mr Scantlebury suffered a stroke in August 1998 which affected his speech and the right side of his body and left him visually impaired.

The vicar of St Saviour's, Harden, and St Matthew's, Wilsden, spent six months in St Luke's Hospital's neurology unit where he re-learned how to walk and talk.

And last year he was presented with the Stroke Association's Life After a Stroke Award in recognition of his valiant efforts.

"My parishioners have been very kind and helpful and they come to the vicarage to see me as they know I struggle to get out and about," said Mr Scantlebury who has run the Benefice single-handedly since 1999 and came to the parish five years ago.

"There are so many people I would like to thank for their support including church warden Maurice Wood, his wife Molly, and Bob Maskill for driving me around, and my support worker Julie Bairstow, without whom I would never have kept on top of my correspondence.

"I've had an enjoyable and busy time here and I will miss everyone dearly."

This year alone Mr Scantlebury has conducted 25 baptisms, 15 weddings and seven funerals.

He is to move to a bungalow in Cullingworth where he will concentrate on his book and articles for Christian journals and newspapers.

"I feel I could do with a change of ministry and I want to concentrate on writing while I still have all my faculties," he said.

A special farewell service was held at St Saviour's church on Sunday when Mr Scantlebury urged parishioners to stay in touch.

He is separated from his wife Sue and they have two children, Francesca, nine, and seven-year-old Benedict.