Celebrating the last Monmouth Group Eucharist, a full church at St Mary's the Virgin heard tributes to Richard Pain from Churchwardens and presentations were made from members of other churches in the Monmouth area.

Val Howells thanked Richard for his contribution to St Mary's over the last five years and praised him as a leader of great courage. She thanked him for being a thoughtful and reflective priest.

"When Richard joined us" she continued, "we got a friend and companion, a happy and humerous person and a teacher and an excellent preacher."

"He is responsible for bringing all the churches together, the proof is that you are all here today! It has been my privilege to serve you as Warden" she concluded.

Sue White, Chairman of Monmouthshire County Council also thanked Richard "not only as People's Warden of Wonastow Church, but as Chairman of the Council, as Richard was chosen as my Chaplin and has kindly agreed to stay on for the duration of my chairmanship.

"He is a lovely man" she said.

A cheque was presented to Richard on behalf of St Mary's Church, and other presentations were made from St Thomas' Church, Overmonnow by Warden Tudor Lewis and St Michael's and All Saints Church Mitchel Troy.