A TAUNTON vicar will never get to live in a house being built for him and his wife.

The Rev Rod Corke will preach his last sermon at St Mary Magdalene Church before taking up a similar post at Great Malvern Priory, in the Worcester diocese.

His yet-to-be appointed successor will live in a new vicarage currently under construction in the grounds of the historic vicarage that has been home to Mr Corke, also vicar of St John the Evangelist, and his relationship counsellor wife Rita.

He said: "We've had such a good and lovely ministry here and feel that our 12 years here have been very rewarding.

"This is a new challenge. I was asked to apply and when I went there I just felt God calling me there.

"My highlights at St Mary's include the amazing glass doors we put together as a team; the 15 new bells in the tower; and helping St John's and St Mary Magdalene join together.

"We won't get to live in the new vicarage. We're moving just as it's ready in May or June, in time for the new vicar.

"Over the past 12 years, the church has grown, more families are involved and it's continued to be healthy."

Mr and Mrs Corke, who have been married for 37 years, have three adult children and four grandchildren.

He said: "Rita and I are delighted that God has called us to Great Malvern Priory.

"This is part of a journey of ministry we've been on since I was ordained in 1992.

"We're looking forward to working with the congregation and community to share the love of Jesus and to make His love more widely known."

Mr Corke, a former teacher, was a curate in Felixstowe following his training at St John's College, Nottingham, eventually becoming team rector of the Orwell Team Ministry in Walton before moving to Taunton.

During his time here, he led the setting up of Taunton Team Chaplaincy and was part of the CHARIS charity initiative to bring a Syrian family to the area.

Chaplaincy lead chaplain Adrian Prior-Sankey paid tribute to Mr Corke's "visionary leadership".

He added: "As the convenor of the steering group which set up the project, and most recently as chairman of the trustees, Rod’s support and enthusiasm for the work has been unwavering.

"It's therefore with heavy hearts that we'll say farewell at the appropriate time but we're pleased his many gifts and pastoral heart are to be used in God’s service in another part of the country.

"We pray that Rod and Rita will soon be as loved and appreciated in Malvern as they are here in Taunton."