Rev Philip Young, who is stepping down as the vicar of St Thomas Church in Earlham Road to become the environmental officer for the Diocese of Norwich, is waved away to his new job by children at Avenue Road Junior School, Norwich when he left in his eco car. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

A vicar is set to leave his parish community to help the church improve its green credentials.

The Rev Philip Young took his final service at St Thomas’ Church, in Earlham Road, where he has been vicar for nearly five-and-a-half years, at the weekend.

He is stepping down from the role to become the environmental officer for the Diocese of Norwich.

The move comes after a rollercoaster year for the 59-year-old whose wife of 24 years, Anna, died suddenly from a heart attack in February this year.

The Rev Young, who is now engaged to be married to Ann Maw, a nurse from Ipswich, said: “It’s been a great five years and five months at St Thomas’ and I have had lots of people say they will miss me, and I will miss them. St Thomas’ and this parish will always be special to me.

“I’m really thrilled to be asked to do this new job. I am looking forward to the challenge of working with the churches throughout the Diocese of Norwich and encouraging them to love and care for the wonderful planet Earth.”

The Rev Young will be moving back to Aylsham where he was an assistant priest seven years ago. Yesterday, he held an assembly at Avenue Road Junior School to say goodbye to the children and visited those who could not attend church for Sunday’s Harvest Festival services. When he first started at St Thomas’ in 2007, the church hall was targeted by arsonists. It has since been reopened as a thriving community venue.