The vicar at a historic church in Ipswich has said it "will be the hardest thing" he's ever done after announcing he will be moving away from the town next year.
Ipswich Minster Reverend Tom Mumford has announced that he will be leaving the church in March next year, having started the role in 2021.
In that time, the church has grown, with it being given Minster status in January 2025, changing its name from St Mary le Tower to Ipswich Minster.
He will be moving to York with his wife Laura, who will also be taking on a new role as a vicar.
Announcing the news on Sunday, he said: "It is with the heaviest heart possible that in March next year, Laura and I will be moving away from Ipswich.
"I have to be honest, leaving here will be the hardest thing I've ever done.
"I love you all from the bottom of my heart and I will miss you, and Ipswich, so much.
"Nearly five years ago now I first received the call from Bishop Martin telling me of a parish that he wanted me to take a look at.
"It was in a bit of trouble, he said, such that he wasn't sure it could survive on its own financially in the long-term.
"On a Sunday, we can now expect 200 or more across our services. We've a flourishing and growing children's ministry, a pioneering singing pathway, baptisms and confirmations coming out of our ears.
"We've grown by every single measure every year."
The Reverend's last at Ipswich Minster is set to be on March 8, with a new vicar of Ipswich Minster to be announced in due course, coming in from that date.
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