It's the French life next for the Archdeacon of Dudley after he retires from full-time ministry in September.

The Venerable Fred Trethewey is stepping down Archdeacon of Dudley after 12 years in the role.

He is taking up a part-time pastoral role as priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Brittany, France, and will be based in the town of Ploermel with his wife.

He will look after three places of worship in central Brittany as part of a chaplaincy serving mainly English and English-speaking people.

Mr Trethewey has been a vicar in Dudley since 1988 serving as vicar of Brockmoor and chaplain at Russell's Hall as well as Rural Dean of Kingswinford before becoming Archdeacon.

He said: "It is with very mixed feelings that I look forward to the next chapter in my life and ministry. It has been a great privilege to work in the diocese of Worcester, and I have received a huge amount from all my excellent colleagues, lay and ordained.

"I will miss the warmth of the support and friendship that has been offered from so many quarters.

"The Brittany appointment however provides an opportunity for Margaret and me to take on new challenges, at a different pace, and we are looking forward to the adventure."

The Bishop of Worcester, the Right Reverend John Inge said: "Fred has been an exemplary Archdeacon of Dudley and I am one among very many people in this diocese and beyond who owe him a great debt of gratitude.

"We shall be very sorry to lose him, but rejoice with him in this exciting new appointment and pray that God will bless him and Margaret richly in their new life in Brittany."