The former Archbishop of York, who left his archbishop's palace to become a parish priest in Ilkley, is to retire earlier than planned due to ill health.

The Right Reverend David Hope had spent a decade as the the Archbishop of York, the second most senior clergyman in the Church of England, until last year when, aged 64, he stepped down to become Father David to parishioners at St Margaret's Church in Ilkley.

Dr Hope announced his resignation as priest-in-charge of St Margaret's, Ilkley to the congregation yesterday.

He had returned to St Margaret's on a part-time basis on September 1 after suffering a debilitating illness, diverticulitis, an intestinal condition.

Father David said: "I have really agonised over this decision, but my doctors have made it very clear that to carry on would be injurious to my health.

"So although I do this with great reluctance, I felt I had no alternative. The Bishop of Bradford and the people of St Margaret's have been enormously supportive and understanding.

"It's an excellent parish with some great things going on and I shall be very sad to go, although I intend to continue working a three-day week until the end of the year."

He will continue to live in the Bradford Diocese as well as acting as Assistant Bishop - helping with confirmations and licensings.

The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James, said: "David Hope has achieved an enormous amount in a short space of time. He has taken the parish forward and helped it look outwards into the community as well as upwards to God.

"I know the parish will be as disappointed as he is at his resignation, but I know they will continue to support the parish priest they have grown to love dearly and respect highly."

More than 500 worshippers gathered at the Ilkley church last March for the inauguration of their new parish priest.

Dr Hope, who was ordained in 1965, shocked ecclesiastical circles when he announced that he was stepping down to become a parish priest.

He had to take a £40,000 a year pay cut and foresake the splendour of Bishopthorpe Palace in York for the more modest surroundings of St Margaret's rectory.

Ahead of his inauguration last year he praised the welcoming nature of his new parishioners.

"The people of Ilkley have been enormously kind and generous," he said.

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk