A group of local churches in the Peasedown St John, Shoscombe, Foxcote and Wellow area have waved goodbye to one of their clergy.

Cath Candish, who spent many years living on a farm in Exmoor, was appointed two years ago as the 'Ordinand in Training' – a role that has allowed her to both study and work out 'on the field' throughout the week.

Leader of all three parishes, Revd Matthew Street, said:

"It's been great having Cath on the staff team for the last two years. She has taken a huge interest in what life is like in the parishes, and has got stuck in with many of our outreach and community projects.

She will be sorely missed, but we wish her the very best for the future."

Cath, who has a background in International Development and worked in Tanzania for a number of years, has been appointed as a new Curate at Bath Abbey.

She said: "It's been such a blessing to work with Rev Matthew Street and the team in the St J's Group.

Growing up, being a Vicar wasn't really an option, but what I did want to do was to serve God.

My family and I moved three years ago from Exmoor to Bath. As part of my training at St Mellitus Theological College, I was given the opportunity to work in Peasedown St John and surrounding parishes because of the diverse and far reaching community work being done by the church here.

I've learnt so much from the wonderful people I've been able to work with and serve. Thank you to all of you - it has been a real joy to be here."

Cath's role as a Curate at Bath Abbey is due to begin in the autumn and is, in essence, a Vicar-in-training. She'll be able to run church services, lead worship and take on a wider pastoral role across the city. In the meantime she is serving over the summer as curate in her local church, St Andrews Community Church in Foxhill.

For more details about the work of the St J's Group, readers can follow them on Twitter, @stjsgroup, or visit their website, www.stjsgroup.church.