A SUFFOLK vicar has abandoned the relative peace and quiet of village life for a new challenge in Afghanistan.Reverend Nick Todd, formerly of Holbrook, near Ipswich, has been serving as a chaplain with the 1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters in Helmand province.

A SUFFOLK vicar has abandoned the relative peace and quiet of village life for a new challenge in Afghanistan.

Reverend Nick Todd, formerly of Holbrook, near Ipswich, has been serving as a chaplain with the 1st Battalion Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters in Helmand province.

Rev Todd said his goodbyes to his parishes, which also included Stutton, Freston, Wolverstone and Wherstead, a little over 18 months ago.

However, his battalion has only just been called into action and is currently based near the town of Gereshk, where it is involved in heavy fighting and reconstruction of the area.

Geoffrey Clement, from Shottisham, is due to be instituted as the new vicar of Rev Todd's former parishes next Tuesday.