Tributes have been paid to a Norfolk bishop after he announced his plans to retire following 14 years of service.

The Rt Rev Dr Alan Winton became Bishop of Thetford in September 2009, when he was consecrated at St Paul's Cathedral.

Announcing the news, he said the people of Norfolk and Waveney will "remain in our hearts and our prayers" and said that he was "blessed" and "grateful" for the chance to serve local communities.

He added: "In announcing my intention to retire at the end of April next year, I am very aware of how blessed I’ve been to serve as one of the bishops in such a lovely part of the country.

"Visiting the churches of the diocese week by week, worshipping in such beautiful buildings, meeting such caring and committed people has been a joy.

"I’m also grateful for the chance I’ve enjoyed to play a small part in encouraging the fabulous and crucial work that goes on in our schools.

"It has been deeply moving to witness the commitment and generosity of so many people whose faith leads them to serve their communities, particularly where poverty, homelessness and other marks of our tragically unequal society are present."

Bishop Alan was first ordained as a priest in 1992, and has served the church in London, Hertfordshire and Norfolk. 

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, praised his contributions to the church.

He said: “Over the last 13 years Alan Winton’s ministry as Bishop of Thetford has been marked by grace and pastoral care. He has made a significant contribution to many areas of diocesan life, including the selection and training of clergy, our church schools, and parishes in his care.

"Like many others, I am grateful for his friendship and the way in which he welcomed me to the diocese. His wife, Pippa, has been a gentle and prayerful presence amongst us with an ability to come alongside people, especially partners of the clergy.

"Bishop Alan and Pippa will go into retirement next April with our love and our thankfulness to God for all that they have given to our life together in the Diocese of Norwich.”