Rev Canon Simon Stokes moving from Sprowston to Lowestoft

But after 11 years at the Sprowston and North Norwich Team Ministry, Revd Canon Simon Stokes, is saying a sad goodbye to the "friendly and loving" community to become vicar of St Margaret's Church in Lowestoft.

Revd Stokes, 60, who is giving his final service at St Mary and St Margaret's on February 5, grew up in Suffolk and worked in finance before becoming ordained in 1992.

Rev Canon Simon Stokes who is moving to a new Lowestoft after serving the Sprowston and North Norwich area for just over 11 years (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

He said: "Being a parish priest is the best job in the world. It is fulfilling. My main passion is engaging in the community and the church being a valued part of it. It is there for everybody, whether you have a faith or no faith."

Revd Stokes first felt a calling to religion around 1981 while studying psychology and business studies at Northampton University.

The grandfather, who previously lived off Silver Road after marrying his wife Christine in 1985 - was a vicar in King's Lynn and then Bowthorpe before Sprowston.

His parish has expanded from St Mary and St Margaret's and St Cuthbert's to four other churches in the north Norwich area as well as undergoing a housing boom.

Rev Canon Simon Stokes with his guide dog Mayne next to his Sprowston vicarage in Wroxham Road (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

He was inspired to start up and become a trustee of the Sprowston Youth Engagement Project in September 2012 after running a Bowthorpe youth group.

After building it up with project leader Clare Lincoln, it now attracts over 60 people aged 11-18 who take part in gardening and can have mentoring, among other activities for free.

"We have engaged with young people and helped in the community with anti-social behaviour and given them a safe place. There are some people whose parents cannot afford or choose not to afford activities," he added.

Rev Canon Simon Stokes outside St Cuthbert's Church in Wroxham Road, Sprowston, which he is leaving for a church in Lowestoft in February 2023 (Image: Sophie Wyllie)

As well as that he helped reinstate a luncheon club and is heavily involved in the 45th Norwich Scout Group and Sprowston schools.

Revd Stokes, who was registered blind in 1986, uses his popular guide dog Mayne to get around, and can lead services through a computer screen which tells him what words to say through an earpiece.

He added he also loves conducting weddings, baptisms and funerals adding it was important to make bereaved families feel at ease.