A LARGE congregation, with hearty singing voices, attended a special church service in Honiton today (Sunday) to mark Pastor Peter Robinson s 10th anniversary in the town.

A LARGE congregation, with hearty singing voices, attended a special church service in Honiton today (Sunday) to mark Pastor Peter Robinson's 10th anniversary in the town.

Mr Robinson, his wife Angela and their children are well-known in the local community.

They moved to Manor Crescent, Honiton, in August 1999 and, shortly afterwards, Mr Robinson took up the post of Pastor at Honiton Evangelical Congregational Church.

Mr Robinson opened yesterday's service, welcoming "visitors, friends and neighbours" to his congregation.

He recalled that one of his first duties in Honiton was to lead a funeral service for the late John Halse, a stalwart member of the church.

The names of other late members of the church were mentioned by Mr Robinson.

During his time in Honiton, he has overseen many new initiatives - from the launch of the now over-subscribed mother and toddlers' group, to outreach work in the community and refurbishment work at the church.

He is ever-keen to engage with the local community and reach out to all sections of society. He regularly leads prayers at the monthly meeting of Honiton Town Council.

He said highlights of the 10 years had included welcoming Gary Aston to Honiton for a year as a pastoral apprentice, baptisms and contact with people in Bulgaria. Mr Robinson was speaking just a short while after returning from his fourth visit to Bulgaria, where he and others are supporting gospel work.

Mr Robinson paid tribute to his family and Jesus, saying he did not think himself worthy to be a pastor.

He thanked Jesus for his faithfulness and prayed that his congregation would continue to grow.

Guest preacher was Cyril Aston, of North Curry Baptist Church, in Somerset.

The subject of his talk was 'Jesus, the Chief Pastor'.

A fellowship lunch was served after the service.