VILLAGERS are preparing to say farewell to one of the country's fittest vicars.

The Rev Terry Smith is quitting Kennington after nine years at the helm of St Swithun's Parish Church.

The 69-year-old, who lives in Ross Court, made headlines last year when he became the oldest Englishman to compete in the Marathon des Sables.

He was also thought to have been the first clergyman to tackle the 150-mile foot race across the Sahara Desert.

Mr Smith, a qualified psychiatrist, said he had very much enjoyed his time in Kennington.

He remembered: "I wanted a different challenge - I came to Kennington and met the people and thought the place was really nice.

"The churchyard was in a bad state and the church needed redecorating.

"Now we have new bibles and hymn books and we have built up the congregation and the youth work.

"I also run stress management classes at Dalton Barracks in Abingdon and help soldiers prepare for the psychological impact of going to war.

"I have a huge respect for the British Army - the work has been very interesting."

He added: "Kennington is a warm friendly place. I can well understand why children want to come back as soon as they marry. It's that kind of community.

"I have mixed feelings about retiring. It will be good to get away from all the admin, but it's been a privilege to have been involved in people's lives when there's a crisis or at important times."

When he retires at the end of next month, Mr Smith and wife Sally are hoping to move to the South Coast and spend time in Switzerland. He is even flirting with the idea of joining an expedition to the Artic Circle.

He said: "I would be the oldest man ever to go the North Pole."

Parish clerk Pam Johnston paid tribute to Mr Smith's work.

She said: "He has been extremely helpful with celebrations in the village.

"The 60th anniversary of the end of the war was absolutely brilliant and he's really changed our Remembrance Day services with the involvement of Dalton Barracks.

"He produces an amazingly moving service and he will be missed by the village.

"He was good for Kennington."