WYCOMBE’S Mayoral Chaplain bade farewell to his congregation as he led a service at the town centre’s church for the final time.

Canon David Picken gave his last service at All Saints church this morning during a special civic service to mark the end of his eight-year stint as the Wycombe Mayor’s Chaplain.

He is moving on to become Archdeacon of Newark, with members of the High Wycombe Charter Trustees, Mayors of neighbouring towns and many other dignitaries arriving at the church to see him off.

Among the specially invited guests was the current Mayor of Margate Iris Johnston, whose ancestor Sir John Alley was Mayor of Chepping Wycombe at the turn of the 16th century.

Canon Picken said after his final service: “Inevitably it’s a bittersweet day.

“I’ve had a fantastic time here. It’s a very special community in Wycombe. I didn’t know it before I came here but I can say it’s been an absolute privilege.

“It’s brilliant to have everybody here today.”

Originally from Staffordshire, Canon Picken arrived in High Wycombe in 2004 after a stint working in the West Midlands.

Reflecting on his time in south Bucks he said: “In church terms it’s been good to develop our facilities here for community use. In community terms the best thing has been bringing together people across the faiths, and the development of the Night Shelter, which is a Christian initiative. Playing a small part in that has been the most wonderful thing.”