The much-loved veteran preacher John Stott, whose books and teachings have impacted the lives of thousands of Christians around the globe, will draw his public ministry to a close this summer when he fulfils his final speaking engagement at this year's Keswick Convention on Tuesday 17 July.

|PIC1|Peter Maiden, the chair of the Convention council, said, "We are delighted that Dr Stott has chosen to speak at Keswick for the last time, and are grateful for the immense blessings he has brought to the convention over the years."

Dr Stott is revered the world over for his life of ministry. The world famous evangelist Rev Billy Graham testified him as "the most respected clergyman in the world today".

Dr Stott, who founded the Langham Partnership International, was confirmed into the Anglican Church in 1936 and has since enjoyed working in a wide range of activities and organisations.

He held the position as chair of the Church of England Evangelical Council from 1967 to 1984, and has also been the president of two hugely influential Christian organisations, the UK branches of Scripture Union from 1965 to 1974 and the Evangelical Alliance from 1973 to 1974.

His commitment to evangelism and the fostering of future Christian leaders led him to the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship, where he was president four times between 1961 and 1982.

He also served as chaplain to the Queen from 1959 to 1991 and received the rare honour of being appointed an Extra Chaplain in 1991.

He will now be moving home from his flat in Bridford Mews, London, where he has lived for more than 30 years, to a retirement community for Anglican clergy in the south of England which will be able to provide more fully for his present and future needs.

Dr Stott said that he made his decision to retire out of a strong belief that it is God's provision for him at this stage.

Also at the Keswick Convention this year, writer and broadcaster Adrian Plass and singer-songwriter Stuart Townend will be making their debuts. Plass is will put on two concerts while Townend leads worship and a concert.

In addition, ex-Cabinet Minister Jonathan Aitken will give the Keswick lecture, entitled 'How John Newton was unshackled by outrageous grace'.

Former head of the Evangelical Alliance, Clive Calver will also preach and give a Keswick lecture on the Gospel and social responsibility.