PARISHIONERS packed Old Alresford church to say goodbye to their priest.

St. Mary's Church was filled to capacity on Sunday February 2 for a special service  marking the Rev Bryce Fletcher's retirement from his five years' ministry in the Arle Valley Benefice.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of his friends from the four benefice churches, Bryce was presented with a significant cheque.

The service was followed by a finger buffet lunch at Old Alresford Place which was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of Winchester, Ernie and Barbara Jeffs, who live in nearby Bishop’s Sutton.