CHURCHWARDEN Tony Townsend was praised for his hard work and presented with a gift after retiring.
Mr Townsend, 70, of Spurlands End Road, Great Kingshill, has been a familiar face at St Mark's Church, Wharf Lane, Bourne End, for decades and was born and bred in the village.
He moved to Flackwell Heath when he was 24 and for the next 38 years continued to worship at the church. He moved to Great Kingshill five years ago.
Mr Townsend became churchwarden three years ago. The Rev John Sclater said he handled all the church duties with good humour and great skill.
Mr Sclater presented Mr Townsend with a picture of the church last week and church members thanked him for his hard work.
Mr Townsend said the constant travelling to and from Great Kingshill meant he could not continue to fulfil all the churchwarden's tasks and added: "I was very honoured that they asked me to become churchwarden but I feel someone who lives locally could do a better job."
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