The Otter Vale community said a fond farewell to its long-serving vicar at the weekend, who retired after more than 10 years of service.

The Reverend Prebendary Cate Edmonds led her last service on Sunday (October 8) after 11 years as the vicar of Escot, Feniton and Payhembury.

She entered the ministry in 1992 and began her 22-year career working in Yeovil and as chaplain of Martin St Johns, in Plymouth, before moving to take a post in the Otter Vale Mission Community.

Over the last 11 years, she has conducted 200 christenings, 150 weddings and more than 200 funerals.

The vicar has also been a governor, as well as worked with children at Feniton and Payhembury Church of England schools.

She said: “People let you into their lives and that is just lovely. I know a lot of people and a lot of people know me, everybody speaks to everyone.

“I know one of the biggest things I am going to miss is having little voices saying ‘Reverend Cate’.

“It’s been about sharing the joys and the sorrows and sharing God’s love with people.

“I finished with the harvest festival, which is a celebratory service. A lot of people have come especially to say goodbye to me which has been really touching.”