Tears and tributes both flowed freely as Roman Catholics in north Norfolk said farewell to their popular priest.

Fr David Bagstaff, the most senior priest in the RC Diocese of East Anglia, has left the Sacred Heart Parish, after nearly 10 years.

Scores of his parishioners from the RC churches in North Walsham, Aylsham and Hoveton, gathered at their North Walsham mother church for a party to thank Fr David and wish him well after his final mass on Sunday.

He will take up a post as parish priest at the Most Holy Trinity parish, Diss, in September.

Terry McIlwee, chairman of the Sacred Heart parish council, described Fr David as a 'fantastic man', adding: 'He is an excellent parish priest whose services are full and appropriate for every occasion.'

Following the death of Bishop Michael Evans in July 2011, Fr David acted as the diocesan administrator. He is currently vicar general to his successor, Bishop Alan Hopes.

Despite his important diocesan role, Prof McIlwee said Fr David had kept the parish running smoothly and had been there for every parishioner who needed him.

He had wonderful insight, gave great sermons – and even his occasional references to Coronation Street would be sorely missed.

Fr David, 62, will spend time with an order in Scotland and then enjoy a holiday before taking up his new role.

He inherited an extra church, St Helen's, Hoveton, when he moved to the parish. It had previously been run from Norwich.

Preserving the uniqueness of all three communities while encouraging their congregations to unite as one parish had been a challenge, he said. He had also enjoyed holding joint services with other Christian churches.

'But a lot of it has been about journeying alongside people of the parish and sharing their joys and sadnesses,' he added.

During his time the parish had developed links with an RC parish in Cambodia and Fr David said he had been over there four times.

Fr David said his congregation had been swelled by a number of Polish and Filipino people who had moved to work in the area.

Parishioners presented him with a cheque, a book of tributes, and a picture showing the bridge at Wroxham, Aylsham Market Place, and North Walsham's Market Cross before sending him on his way with three loud cheers.

Do you have a church story? Contact alex.hurrell@archant.co.uk