St Mary's Church in Pyrton bid farewell to Jenny Lockwood who is retiring to Guernsey after 40 years of community service, on March 17.

Lockwood, who was an integral member of Pyrton's community, looked after the church from 1991, ran the Pyrton Fete for 12 years and coordinated numerous church improvements, resulting in a picturesque place of worship, showcasing its new lighting.

Celebrations included a special service led by visiting preacher, David Tyler, Archdeacon of Dorchester, and guest appearances from Charles Baker of the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust and Jennie Schillig, the Church Buildings Officer of Oxford Diocese.

The oldest congregation member, Dennis Minns, 91, donated daffodil pots as crowds gathered in Pyrton Village Hall for teas raising a record sum for its next project.