A FOUNDER of Okehampton Foodbank and pivotal part of its success 'will be sorely missed' after he attended his last foodbank session last Friday.

The Rev Barry Walton has been involved with the foodbank since its launch in 2008. He has also been involved in bible study groups and other church activities, despite retiring 13 years ago.

At 74, Barry is coming out of retirement to become minister of Corfe Castle Evangelical Congregational Church in Dorset.

He said: 'It is strange, there have been a lot of goodbyes in the last few days, although they have not been sad, because I feel like it has been a job well done here, both with the church and the foodbank.

'There is a sense of mission accomplished. The foodbank and everything else are in good shape to be carried on well by everyone else here.'

Sian Tooze, from Okehampton Foodbank said: 'Everyone here will miss Barry a lot. He has been massively important to a lot of people here over the years. To lots of us, Barry is Okehampton Foodbank.'

After his final foodbank session, friends and well-wishers surprised Barry with a farewell party.

The organisers expressed thanks to the Co-operative for donating snacks and Sweet Success for donating a special farewell cake.

Barry said: 'I turn 75 in December. It is quite a leap to be going up to Corfe Castle. But I firmly believe it is what God wants me to do, and I hope I can tackle it with as much energy, enthusiasm and commitment as I possibly can.'