AFTER five years as team Vicar Bridport and parish priest at St Swithun’s the Rev Peter Edwards has resigned.

In February Father Edwards was told he was only allowed to take services at St Swithun’s after he refused to work with women priests.

Father Edwards, his wife Clare and their three sons will move shortly to the parishes of St Mary’s and St John’s Bathwick, Bath. A congregation of more than 220 came to see him at his last service on Sunday.

After the service Graham Williams St Swithun’s church warden presented Fr Peter with a cheque.

Church warden Emeritus Verena Doyle presented a gift to Clare and choirmaster and organist Don Allcock made presentations to the boys for their contribution to choral work at the church.

Other representatives of Bridport churches also made presentations.

The congregation then adjourned to the church hall for refreshment.

When the decision was taken to limit Fr Edwards’ work in the town Bridport Team Rector Andrew Evans said he was saddened by developments but it was ‘unacceptable’ for a member of the team to refuse to work with women priests.

At the time Father Edwards said he had been hurt by the decision and the way it was done.