A VICAR who helped modernise a West Oxfordshire parish has led his last service before retirement.

Reverend Bill Blakey, who was rector of The Church of St John the Evangelist, Carterton, and St Britius, in Brize Norton, for 11 years, was treated to a celebration tea after his final service on October 28.

The 67-year-old packed plenty in during just over a decade in the role, attending military repatriation ceremonies and spending five years as chair of governors at St John the Evangelist Primary School.

Behind the scenes, he helped spearhead initiatives including live streaming services and men's and ladies' breakfasts as he engaged his congregation with an innovative approach.

He said: "It's one of those places where you have to run to stand still. A lot of the congregation have been here for the long haul but there's the energy and freshness of youth."

Rev Blakey took his first role in full-time church ministry in 1982 and worked in Cheltenham, Devon and Dorset over the years.

His first taste of West Oxfordshire came when he became rector of St John's in 2007 and he admits he did not know what to expect.

He found a parish with a strong military presence, which was heightened by the first military repatriation ceremony at nearby RAF Brize Norton in September 2011.

Rev Blakey and a team from St John's took on a pastoral role during the procession and took part in subsequent ceremonies.

He said: "A third of our congregation are retired RAF and a third are serving RAF so it's hugely important.

"I'm very proud of the role of the church in the repatriations.

"We had a team of people catering for those who needed our help, including families of the soldiers."

Rev Blakey was area dean of Witney from 2008 to 2013, alongside visiting St John's primary school around once a fortnight throughout his time as rector.

He helped set up the men's and ladies' groups which hold several activities, including the hugely popular S.T.I.G (Scalextric Track and Indian Grub) nights.

The evenings feature tracks built to resemble specific Grand Prix circuits, which Rev Blakey cites as an example of the church's 'strong role' in the community.

St John's also now streams some baptisms, weddings and funerals, so more people can join the worship.

After his final service on October 28, several residents attended a drop-in tea in honour of the popular vicar.

Rev Blakey will move to Gloucestershire after his effective retirement date of November 30 and the church is currently looking for his replacement.