She has become a familiar face to parishioners in three villages and a loyal friend to many.

But the Rev Lyndy Domoney will be saying a fond farewell tomorrow when takes her final service at St Edmund's Church in Kessingland as she prepares to head into retirement.

Mrs Domoney has been the rector at the church, along with Holy Trinity in Gisleham and St Michael's in Rushmere for the last eight years. But, having now turned 70, she is retiring from her Church of England post and will be holding her final benefice service.

Although the mother-of-two admits she will sad to leave the village, Mrs Domoney says her congregation and the community will remain close to her heart.

Reflecting on her time in Kessingland, she said: 'They are lovely people here. The whole village pulls together when it wants to get something done.

'It is always sad when you say goodbye to people that you are very fond of. The last few weeks have been a series of lasts and Sunday will be one as well.'

She moved to Kessingland from South Africa, where she was one of the first women to be ordained 1993 after rising through the ranks, and she has been watching with interest the debate over the pros and cons of having female bishops – a move she believes is 'inevitable'.

Kessingland church warden Pat Briggs said: 'Lyndy will be greatly missed not only as rector but as a loyal friend and spiritual leader.

'The sick and house-bound in the community will miss her visits and words of comfort.

'The congregations will miss her special sermons and words of encouragement in all aspects of the church.'

Mrs Domoney's final benefice service will be held at St Edmund's at 10.45am followed by a final farewell at the church centre opposite.

*Have you got a church story? Contact Ian Clarke via email ian.clarke@archant.co.uk.