AN AMBLECOTE congregation will be saying goodbye to their faithful priest after 36 years of service.

The Rev Paul Tongue of Holy Trinity Church is to hold his last mass on Easter Sunday before moving to Worcester to live with his family.

Normal services will be held on Sunday April 8 at 8am, 10am and 6.30pm. There is expected to be a big turnout from parishioners and his congregations saying their fond farewells and wishing all the best for his retirement.

Mr Tongue joined Holy Trinity Church in 1970 and has fond memories of his service and time in Amblecote.

He has seen first hand how Amblecote has changed over the years from it having 4,800 people living there, making it a village, to it growing to having 13,000 to 14,000 inhabitants.

He said: "I have mixed feelings about going, I have enjoyed myself over the years and I am sad to go."

Amblecote councillor Liz Walker, who is also reader at the church, is amongst one of the many people who will be sad to see Mr Tongue leave.

Cllr Liz Walker said: "He'll be a much-missed parish priest.

"He has worked extremely hard and has always had church and community life in his heart."

The church wardens are inviting anyone who wants to contribute to the leaving gift can contact cllr Liz Walker on 01384 831463.