The Rt Rev Keith Sutton, 68, is the longest serving diocesan bishop in the Church of England.

He delivered his final sermon at a packed Lichfield Cathedral, where he took up the post in November 1984.

He is retiring to Bude in Cornwall, but will remain in church work under the guidance of the Bishop of Exeter.

Sunday's farewell service was the last in a series to be held across the diocese, which covers most of Shropshire, Staffordshire and parts of the West Midlands.

"I'm going to miss the people, but enjoy the rest," said the Bishop.

"Part of it is the joy of friendship with the people. I'm a Cockney, but I can honestly say that the sheer friendliness, shall we call it matey-ness, of many people in the Midlands is very precious."