The City Rector, the Rev Stephen Pix, is to leave Oxford after 12 years.

Mr Pix is vicar of three city centre parishes - St Michael at the North Gate, Carfax and All Saints.

He was conferred with the honorary title of city rector by the Lord Mayor when he arrived in Oxford with his wife Isobel, and has for years undertaken an array of civic duties, including leading Remembrance Day services.

Mr Pix has decided to move on. But the decision is an act of faith as he has no idea where he will go or when.

Mr Pix, who has already told the Bishop of Oxford and his parishioners, said: "I decided the time is approaching when I should move on, that's all.

"I feel the work my wife and I came to do in Oxford and the church here has been accomplished and it's time to move on."

Asked if he was sad to leave the city and his parishioners, Mr Pix said: "If you have been happy in a place, you are obviously sorry to go, but I look forward to what lies ahead. I have been very happy here. Oxford has been a great experience."

Mr Pix came to Oxford after serving parishes in North Yorkshire.