A long-standing vicar will leave the parish of Whitehaven as he moves on to pastures new.

St James’ and St Nicholas’ churches in Whitehaven will say goodbye to the Reverend Robert Jackson, who has been priest-in-charge since 2015.

Rev Jackson will move closer to home due to family reasons and will take on a new role with the Diocese of Manchester.

The date of his departure from the parish of Whitehaven has not yet been finalised but he is expected to stay until after Christmas. Work is already underway to find a replacement parish priest.

Rev Jackson said: “I have enjoyed my time in Whitehaven and will leave with many happy memories and having made many friends.

“We have done some great stuff with our partner churches across the denominations. We’ve had our Moving Mountains mission.

“We’ve worked well with the town council and Copeland Council to make St Nicholas’ Gardens look great. I’ve very much enjoyed the schools work. The best thing has been the people.

“I look back on my time serving across Cumbria with great affection and appreciation – the Lord has been kind in so many ways, not least with the people who have helped, supported and inspired us along the way.

“It will be a wrench to leave Cumbria but I believe this is of the Lord and that the One who calls is faithful.”

The announcement from The Diocese of Manchester said: “It is with great delight that we are able to announce the appointment of Reverend Robert (Rob) Jackson as the new Incumbent of St John the Evangelist, Irlam and St Marys the Virgin, Cadishead (holding the two roles in plurality).

“Rob is currently the incumbent of The Parish of Whitehaven in the Diocese of Carlisle. The date for his licensing is to be announced at a later date.”

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