The Archdeacon of Norfolk has announced that he is set to retire in early 2012 after 40 years of ordained ministry.

The Ven David Hayden, who spent most of his ministry in his home dioceses of Norwich, announced he would be stepping down in February.

He said: 'I have had the great privilege of serving in full time ordained ministry for over forty years and I feel that, as I will have been sixty-five for a whole month, the end of February 2012 is the right point to retire from my work as Archdeacon of Norfolk.'

'I went from my home in Oulton Broad to selection in the 1960s and on retirement will be returning to that same home, except this time it will be in what was part of the garden as my elder daughter and son-in-law with their four children are in my old family house.

'My wife, Ruby, was also from Oulton Broad so it will be a lovely opportunity for us to catch up with old friends and family as well as making new friends.'

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James said, 'David Hayden has been a great servant to the Diocese of Norwich as the vicar of one of its most vigorous parishes for 18 years and Archdeacon of Norfolk since 2002.

'His passion for people to know the transforming love of Christ remains as vibrant now as when he was ordained forty years ago.

'He has spearheaded our mission plans and taken the lead in making sure we use our church buildings well and keep them open for seven-day a week ministry.

'I wish him and his wife, Ruby every blessing in retirement and it's good to know that they will still be in the Diocese, living in Oulton Broad where David was born and brought up.'

There will be an opportunity to say farewell to the couple at Evensong in Norwich Cathedral on Sunday, February 12 at 3.30pm.