THE FAMILIAR sight of a North Tyne rector riding through the village on her horse, or striding round in her dramatic cloak, will be missed by parishioners when she retires from her role on September 15.

For Rev. Dr Susan Ramsaran has been the team rector of North Tyne and Redesdale since 2006 after moving to the area from Kent.

Reflecting on her 14 years of service, she said: "I have absolutely loved my time here. I don't want to go, but I have been forced to go by my age."

“I came to the parish after being invited by the Bishop of Newcastle, who knew I was committed to rural ministry and despite geographical differences, I was still right for the job.”

Despite admitting that Bellingham is the largest place she has ever lived, she immediately took to her new surroundings.

Rev. Ramsaran explained: "I feel very much at home and I really like the people so much.

"I feel that way because they are such genuine country people that I can talk openly with."

Before moving to the North Tyne, Rev. Ramsaran's one aim was to serve the local parishioners.

She explained: "I am a very traditional Church of England rector in the sense that I am responsible for every single person within the parish.

During her 14 year tenure Rev. Ramsaran oversaw the launch of the local ministry of tourists and the planting of the living church at Kielder Waterside.

"So many people come here taking time out of their lives and come to find tranquility, adventure and inspiration and I thought it would be important to cater for them here," she said.

"I won't be returning to the parish immediately, but I'm staying in the area because I love it so much."