He might not be able to change water into wine, but one Norwich vicar certainly has plenty of tricks up his sleeves in his side-line as a member of the Magic Circle.

Eastern Daily Press: Bishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Picture: Sonya DuncanBishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Lakenham Group Church vicar Peter Fox is now retiring after more than 10 years of service to the community, during which time he has brought a touch of magic to his sermons.

The 66 year old, who has been practicing magic since he was seven, previously held the position as Anglican Bishop of Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, making him the only bishop in the Magic Circle.

He said: 'There are other clergymen but I am the only bishop, which means I'm the only member of the Magic Circle who's actually entitled to wear a pointy hat and have a stick.'

After learning the tricks of the trade he eventually left England for Papua New Guinea in 1979 to become a missionary priest.

Eastern Daily Press: Bishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Picture: Sonya DuncanBishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

While there he became an outspoken voice against the dangers of HIV and Aids, which at the time was a massive problem in the country, earning him the nickname of Bishop Condom.

Returning to the UK in 1984 he decided to join the Magic Circle and, along with his wife Angie Fox, performed a mind-reading act under the stage name the Fantastic Dr Fox. Within a year he was invited to appear on Terry Wogan's talk show.

He said: 'Getting an appearance on Wogan was like the Holy Grail for a magician, none of them could ever get on but they just rang me up one time and asked if I wanted to go on. We performed with Lulu, it was great fun.'

He was invited back to Papua New Guinea in 2001 to become the Bishop of Port Moresby before returning to Norwich to be vicar of North Lakenham and Tuckswood in 2006.

Eastern Daily Press: Bishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Picture: Sonya DuncanBishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Picture: Sonya Duncan (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

During his time back in England he did talks on the history of magic as well as performing for children in schools across Norfolk.

The father of three has always been a strong part of the Lakenham community, hosting annual BBQs for his congregation.

Rev Fox is now retiring to Castle Donnington to travel the waterways of England in his narrow boat, as well as performing a lot more magic.

Eastern Daily Press: Bishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017Bishop and magician, Reverend Peter Fox is retiring from his role at Old Lakenham Church after 10 years. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)