A town Rector who has spent more than 35 years working in Norfolk's churches is retiring later this year.

Canon Bob Baker, Rector of the Thetford Team Ministry, will step down at the end of October after more than ten years in post.

During his time in Thetford he has served as chaplain to the Mayor and also helped to set up the Bishop's School, where he serves as chair of governors.

Of his departure, Canon Baker said: 'I've been here for 10 years and I have got to know quite a lot of people over that time.

'Thetford is a nice town with its own character and everyone has been exceptionally friendly.'

Suffolk-born Canon Baker said he had 'no intention' of working with the church when he was a boy, but felt he was being 'called' to the profession while working for an architectural practice in London in his 20s.

The Rector started out as a curate with a church in Southampton, but was invited to come to Norfolk in 1980 by the then Bishop of Norwich.

After spending 25 years in Brundall, he moved to Thetford in 2005 to serve with the town's Church of England team ministry, which covers St Cuthbert's, Cloverfield, and Grace Church on the Abbey estate.

As well as leading the ministry he has served as chaplain to the Mayor, the Royal Air Force Association and the Royal British Legion, and has led the town's remembrance parade for the past ten years.

Canon Baker said he has seen the church in Thetford grow during his tenure.

'Thetford is obviously a very different place to Brundall because it has a lot more history. Brundall is a village whereas Thetford is a historic town,' he said.

'One aspect of that has been involvement with civic events and the town council.'

Canon Baker will be retiring to Attleborough with his wife Glynis so they can be closer to their children, two of whom live near Norwich.

'We've appreciated people's kindness to us. We have thoroughly enjoyed living here and we are not looking forward to moving away, but the time has come,' he said.

'I'm an East Anglian by birth. I have lived in Norfolk for a long time and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.'

Do you know someone who is retiring from a long-standing role? Email bethany.whymark@archant.co.uk.