HAPPY times in the Worcester diocese will be remembered by Canon Chris Hardwick when he leaves in August to become Dean of Truro Cathedral.

After 10 years in the Upton-upon-Severn area, he will move with his wife, Linda and daughter, Rebecca, to Truro just as his 18-year-old son, David, is about to take up a choral scholarship in the city.

"By sheer coincidence he will be spending his gap year in Truro, but he will be living a totally independent life, in separate accommodation," said Dr Hardwick.

Now aged 47, he was in banking before deciding to train for the ministry and has pursued his new calling with tremendous energy since being ordained at Worcester 13 years ago.

He is vice president of the Worcester Diocesan Synod and a member of the national body of the church governing body, the General Synod.

But he is particularly proud of what he has achieved in the Upton deanery, first as Rector of Ripple, Earls Croome with Hill Croome and Strensham, then as Rural Dean of Upton since 1997 and Rector of Upton-upon-Severn and Hook Common since 2000.

"I hope the church has become more inclusive and more outward looking," he said.

"We have focused on work with children and have taken the ministry out into nursing homes and old people's homes.

"I'm pleased to say there is now a local ministry team of 12 lay people to carry on that work."

Dr Hardwick led successful restoration projects at both Ripple and Earls Croome churches and overseas aid projects in the deanery.

He is firmly committed to working in union with other Christian churches and is chairman of the Upton-upon-Severn Ecumenical Partnership.

His wife led the move to re-form Upton church choir, which is now highly respected, including both adults and children.

"I believe we have a vibrant church here and I will be sorry to leave so many good friends who are engaged in the work of mission and ministry," said Dr Hardwick.

He will conduct his last service at Upton on Sunday, August 14 and will take up his appointment at Truro in September.