The captain of the Sheerness Salvation Army is moving on after five years in charge.

A farewell party was held for Bronnie Rimmer at the church in the high street on Saturday and she held her final service the next day.

The 38-year-old came to the Island after working in Plumstead, south east London, and will now be serving a congregation in Herne Bay.

She previously took part in a placement on Sheppey as part of her training.

During her spell, the St Agnes Gardens, Sheerness, resident has overseen several initiatives.

The Messy Church group, which meets once a month on Sundays, was brought in to give parents the chance to do arts and crafts with their children.

People can now pop in for chats during drop in sessions and members carry out outreach work to needy families in the area.

The Sing on Sheppey community choir has also started up during her time although there is not currently a band.

Captain Rimmer said: “We are sent where we are needed basically, and we usually stay for an average of five years.

“It is just time to move on and I feel I have done what I can here.

“It has been a great five years and I have really enjoyed being able to work in the community and with the other churches on the Island to make a difference.

“I look forward to the new challenge.

“The Sheerness church had been through a difficult time. They had very little programmes running. We have been able to put on things that are relevant to the community.

“It has been a time when we have been able to reassess what the community wants and put them into practice.”

Including those who attend the Messy Church group, Captain Rimmer estimates the congregation has grown from about 15 to 30.

New leaders Major Karen Ramsay and Lieutenant Rebecca Zund will be welcomed at a service on Sunday, July 28 at 10am.