An Oxenhope man who has advised the Bishop, clergy and lay people of Bradford for over two decades has announced he is to retire in May this year.

Jeremy Mackrell is the Bradford Diocesan Registrar and has dealt with all legal matters relating to parishes, property and appointments for the last twenty five years.

Now he has reached the age of 65, he has decided to retire in order to spend more time with his wife Norma, their two daughters, Julia and Georgina, and one grandson, Isaac.

He said: "Bradford really is an exceptional diocese.

"I've enjoyed my time as Registrar immensely.

"It's a wonderful job - I couldn't have stumbled across another one like it quite frankly!

"No two days are the same.

"You go into the office everyday and not know what's in the post or on the telephone."

The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David Smith said: "Jeremy Mackrell's service to the diocese as Registrar over the past 25 years has been quite outstanding and a succession of clergy, bishops and lay people are deeply indebted for the advice and assistance he has so readily provided.

"He has been widely respected and greatly loved in every part of this diocese.

"We are truly grateful to him and will miss him very much indeed."