THE Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Bob Evens, will retire next month - and a successor is due to be announced shortly.

Bishop Bob has served as a Bishop, overseeing a large area of Devon since 2004.

Before that he was Archdeacon of Bath.

He was born in Plymouth, later moving to Exeter and Ilfracombe.

When his retirement was announced, he said: "As a son of Devon, it has been a huge joy and privilege to serve and care for the people of this wonderful county.

"I have seen God at work and continue to have confidence that when filled with love and generosity, God's people can reveal more of the Kingdom of God here on earth."

The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, said Bishop Bob had been loved and appreciated by all those he served.

A farewell service for the Bishop of Crediton will be held at Exeter Cathedral, beginning at 3pm on Saturday, October 6