THE Archdeacon of Worcester, the Venerable Dr Joy Tetley, is to leave the diocese after eight years to develop a ministry in Oxford.

Dr Tetley - the first woman resident canon at Worcester Cathedral - will be moving on at the end of April to resume and develop a ministry involving theological research, writing, teaching and preaching.

She joined the diocese in 1999 and her primary role has been supporting the clergy and congregations on a day to day basis in her archdeaconry which includes Worcester, Pershore, Evesham, Malvern, Martley, and Upon-upon- Severn.

In 2006 she was honoured with a Fellowship of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce which encourages the development of a principled, prosperous society through a programme of projects and events.

She chaired a committee at Worcester Cathedral on enhancing the visitors' experience which has developed improvements in the quality of the welcome offered to tourists and pilgrims.

Dr Tetley said: "It has been an enormous privilege to serve as Archdeacon for these past eight years. The post is an extremely varied and comprehensive one and Worcester diocese is a very attractive context in which to minister. More than anything else, I shall miss the people among whom it has been an honour to serve."

Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Rev David Walker said: "Joy has blessed us richly during her time in Worcester.

"She is both a wise Archdeacon and a good friend to her parishes, clergy and rural deans.

"I've found her to be a gifted and astute colleague, valued by all those engaged in leading the diocese.

"She is a passionate preacher in our churches and a thoughtful theologian - one who has played a key role in several of the major issues the Church of England has faced at national level."

Dr Tetley will play her final role in the main Cathedral Sunday services on Easter Day - March 23.

A service of farewell and thanksgiving will take place in April.