A priest celebrated 40 years at an Amersham church this month at a special Sunday service in front of more than 100 worshippers.

Reverend Peter Binns marked four decades since his ordination at St Michael and All Angels Church on Sunday, July 3.

The reverend, who was a former head of Modern Languages at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, is an assistant priest at St. Michael’s.

After the service, more than a hundred people sat down for a shared lunch in the church, when Jennifer Fisher, who organised the celebration, along with her daughter Lucy, who is also Rev Binns goddaughter, presented him with a celebratory anniversary cake.

The cake carried the message “Congratulations Peter 40 Years a Priest”, and was illustrated with images of a dove, a Yorkshire Rose, and a pot and cup of tea.

Current and former members of St. Michael’s were all in attendance to the celebration, including visitors from Brighouse, where Rev Binns grew up, and parishes where he ministers, such as Aston Abbotts, Penn and Cublington.

He said: “It was a great celebration. I enjoyed planning the service, and then it was wonderful to share lunch with those who come.”

Rev Binns has a particular ministry with older members of the congregation, and is chairman of the St. Michael's Tuesday Group.

He also chairs the Sycamore Club, a group run by the local churches at Amersham Free Church to aid older people by providing care and activities one day per week.

The service also offers relief to the families and others within the community who care for them.