A VERGER who serves the parishes of Bishop's Waltham and Swanmore has retired after 47 years.

Alf Pyke, 90, helped out with all sorts of jobs in both parishes and was thanked by the Rev Andy Davis before he, too, left St Peter's Church in Bishop's Waltham to take on a parish in Gosport.

Mr Pyke was born in Llantwit Major, in Glamorgan, Wales and grew up in Cwmbran.

At the age of 20 he joined the Army and served for 23 years, first in the Hampshire Regiment then in the Parachute Regiment, until 1960.

During his time in the Army Mr Pyke saw action in North Africa at the Battle of Arnhem and in Malta as well as else where.

When Mr Pyke came out of the Army he and his family settled in Waltham Chase and he became caretaker at Swanmore Secondary School and was there for 21 years.

He and his wife Gwynneth have been married for 63 years and have five children, 14 grand-children and 22 great-grand children.

In 1981, Mr and Mrs Pyke retired to Oak Road in Bishop's Waltham, where they became involved in the parish of St Peter's.

Mrs Pyke played the piano all over the parish and Mr Pyke started as an odd job man', sidesman and verger.

For 26 years, Mr Pyke was verger at nearly every wedding and funeral. He also unlocked and prepared the church both for the 8am Holy Communion service on a Sunday and the 10am service on a Thursday.

There were occasions when things could get very busy and Mr Pyke said he remembered a time when flu hit the area and there were 20 funerals in Bishop's Waltham in one week.

Mr Davis said: "I would like to pay tribute, on behalf of all the people of St Peter's and the wider Bishop's Waltham community, to Alf's selfless dedication, commitment and service over many years.

"For me personally, Alf has felt like my right hand', always there, always reliable always both dignified and cheerful. The age of 90 is quite an age to retire, and I wish Alf, Gwynneth and their family every blessing."