THE Churches Conservation Trust has given a ringing farewell to one of its longest serving employees after regional development manager and enthusiastic amateur bell-ringer, Neil Skelton, retired.

The farewell party and presentation on Friday at Sarum College, saw more than 40 people gather to say goodbye to Mr Skelton after 28 years of continuous service to the Trust.

"It all started in 1979, when a bell-ringing friend of mine was working with the trust and said there was a job going," he said.

"I have always been enthusiastic about churches and this sounded like the perfect job. I applied, got the job and never really looked back.

"It has been a lot of hard work over the years, but thoroughly fulfilling, and I have enjoyed my time there immensely."

However, even though Mr Skelton is no longer working, he has no plans to slow down.

"I will still be working on the church at Imber, which The Churches Conservation Trust has worked hard on over the years and has consequently become very close to my heart.

"I am on a few committees and I plan to do lots of cycling, walking, and gardening. Also, I have rung bells in 4,988 different churches and I would really like to get over the 5,000 mark."