One of the most popular Beccles figureheads is moving away after nearly two decades at the helm to take up a fresh challenge.

John Beauchamp, has been team vicar, priest in charge and rector of both St Michael's and St Luke's Churches, as well as instigator of many enduring events in the town for 17-and-a-half years.

But his final service will take place next Sunday before he embarks upon a new venture as vicar of St Stephen's Canonbury in Islington, London.

He said: 'I was wondering if it might be time for a fresh challenge before I retire in 10 years' time. We would have been very happy to stay in Beccles but this job seemed to jump off the page as soon as we saw it.

'It's in a very challenging inner city area with the very rich and very poor living side by side. There are significant homeless issues and significant issues with young people.

'The church runs a project supporting homeless and vulnerable adults three days a week. There's also a large youth project that touches hundreds of people. It really is a borough of polar opposites; it's one of the most deprived in the country, although it also has more than its fair share of film stars and celebrity chefs.'

Mr Beauchamp, who is married to Natalie and has two children Mandy and Paul, was made an honorary canon in 2008.

He began his career as a peripatetic music teacher and has been registered blind since 1988 due to an inherited condition called retinitis pigmentosa.

He trained for the ministry at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford and came to Beccles in 1997 to serve at St Luke's Church.

When the previous rector of St Michael's left seven years later, Mr Beauchamp was asked to lead both the Anglican churches in Beccles as priest in charge and was later made rector of the parish in 2007.

His companionship with guide dogs Trevor, Alfie and latterly Nelson have been a staple part of town life.

'Ten years ago the parish established a new vision to work more closely with children, parents and schools. We have worked hard to achieve this and see the results in many different ways. There is a very capable team here in Beccles that the new rector can lead into the future,' said Mr Beauchamp.

'I can't really remember life before Beccles, the move fills us with anticipation, but leaving is very painful as we are leaving many friends across the town. In 17 years I have seen a whole generation grow up. I have conducted the weddings of people I first met at primary school and often baptised their children as well.

'One of the reasons we are moving somewhere completely different is that Beccles is unique and can never be recreated anywhere else. It has been a great privilege to share both the joys and sorrows of life and to see a whole new generation grow up in this unique and special place.'

Mr Beauchamp said there had been a number of highlights throughout his career including the Beccles Music Festival and the performance of the Kings College Choir in St Michael's Church, as well as the rebuilding and modernisation of St Luke's, which is now used by up to 1,000 people a week.

In the interim period Bishop Gavin Reid will be taking over duties at St Michael's Church, while Rev Andrew Platt and Rev Philip Miller will look after St Luke's.

Mr Beauchamp will be inducted and installed at St Stephen's Canonbury by the Bishop of Stepney on Saturday, March 7.