A WORTH Valley clergyman has led his final service in the area before taking up a new post.

The Rev Anthony Bennett conducted the service at St Michael and All Angels Church, Haworth.

It was attended by congregations from Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury, plus fellow clergy and church officials.

Haworth church warden Peter Breed described the occasion as "bittersweet".

"Bitter because we are losing Anthony after four years with us as a curate and sweet as we share his joy at his first appointment as a vicar!" he said.

A coronation statement from King Charles III was delivered by deputy lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Gill Arnold.

And the Rev Bennett, who will serve as a vicar in the Mid Esk parishes in North Yorkshire, was presented with farewell gifts.

The Rev Bennett's licensing, by the Bishop of Whitby, takes place at St Hilda, Egton, on Sunday, May 21, 3pm.