MORE than 150 people gathered to wish Brean and Berrow’s vicar a happy retirement after nearly 14 years of service.

The Rev Sally Lacey stepped down from her role on Friday when a retirement service was held at Berrow Church, followed by a party at the Farmer’s Tavern in Brean.

She has been the popular rector of St Bridget’s Church in Brean and St Mary’s Church in Berrow.

At the party Sally had plenty of gifts to open and cake to cut.

Everyone’s favourite puppet characters Sooty and Sweep even made an appearance.

Sally said she was going to miss the amazing people she has met over her years of service in the two villages.

She said: “It is with great sadness that I am retiring.

“I will be sorry to leave the many wonderful people here in the parish.

“I will miss the role but I already have a lot of activities planned for my retirement.”

These include joining a choir to stay in good voice, joining an African drumming circle, getting stuck in with voluntary work and some time relaxing.