RELIGIOUS leaders in Gwent are assembling tonight to bid farewell to the Bishop of Monmouth.

Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Wales, is leaving to take up the post of Archbishop of Canterbury.

A special service will be held at St Woolos Cathedral, Newport, at 7.30pm in a Eucharist of Thanksgiving for his 10 year service.

During the service Dr Williams will hand over his crozier to the Very Rev Dr Richard Fenwick, Dean of St Woolos, which will symbolise his end of office.

He is expected to thank God and the people of Monmouth and send best wishes to his successor.

The Archdeacon of Newport, Ven Kenneth Sharpe, will read a prayer.

Ahead of the service, Ven Sharpe said: "I'm sure the service will be an occasion of mixed emotions - both joyful and sad.

"We have deeply appreciated Rowan's ministry and while we are sad to see him and his family leave us, we pray that God will richly bless him.

"Those of us who have shared the privilege of working closely with him know that Rowan brings many wonderful gifts to his leadership."