The Archdeacon of Carlisle has announced he will retire this March, ending a 26-year service in Cumbria.

Before assuming his current role, the Ven Richard Pratt was priest-in-charge of St Cuthbert's with St Mary's in Carlisle from 1997, and subsequently served as Archdeacon of West Cumberland in 2009.

He then served as Associate Archdeacon from 2020 while holding parochial duties for Maryport until his appointment to his current position in Carlisle last year.

Addressing his pending retirement, the 68-year-old said: "I’m hugely thankful that God brought me to Cumbria.

"I’m grateful, too, for all those clergy and lay colleagues who have been so supportive over the years and for the strong friendships that have resulted."

He served as the Communications Officer for 12 years, during crisis periods including the foot and mouth outbreak, the west Cumbria shootings, the Tebay rail crash, and several major floods.

He added: "I valued being able to work alongside colleagues in other agencies during this time.

"The church should always be seen to have a voice, it is, perhaps, at times of tragedy and upset that this is even more important so that people know they are being prayed for, loved, and supported.

“The work of an Archdeacon can be pretty relentless at times, but it is very much about creating a sense of teamwork and looking to bring people along with you.

"I want to pay particular thanks to Diane and our boys and their families for all the love and support offered throughout my ministry."

Before his ordination as a Deacon in 1984, he attended Oxford University where he studied mathematics, which he later taught in Ghana.

After returning to the UK, the Ven Richard Pratt worked as a computer programmer and systems analyst in Peterborough.

Bishop of Penrith, the Rt Rev Rob Saner-Haigh said: "Throughout his ministry here Richard has selflessly devoted himself to growing God’s Kingdom in Cumbria.

“Being an Archdeacon is not an easy role, but Richard has thrown all his effort into the support of clergy and laity in so many different places.

"Our thanks go to him and to Diane for all they have done, and our prayers go with them both for a very long and happy retirement."

A service of thanksgiving for the Ven Richard Pratt's service will be held on March 17 at St Mary's Harrington.