SHE has been at the heart of the Andover community for 20 years.

But now a popular priest has hung up her collar after two decades of service to the town and its surrounding villages.

Jill Bentall retired as vicar of the Benefice of Pastrow last month, but was given a fitting send-off by her congregation and more than 200 members of the five churches she leads.

The emotional farewell event, held at St Michael’s Church in Weyhill, featured a host of presentations recalling Jill’s work, before tea was served at the nearby fairground to thank her for her selfless work in the church and the community.

Although Jill is primarily known for her work in Weyhill and Charlton over the last five years, the 70- year-old has been preaching in Andover for the last two decades, starting in Knights Enham in 1994.

During that time Jill has worked closely with many communities in and around the town, and was made honorary canon of Winchester Cathedral.

Jill took on the role as a vicar of the Benefice of Pastrow in 2009 when the parish churches of Charlton, Hartherden, Tangley, Penton and Weyhill were combined.

Speaking after her send-off, Jill said: “I was bowled over.

It was a very warm and thoughtful event.

“All of the churches did different parts of my character, Weyhill did my sense of humour, Charlton did the environment, Hatherden and Tangley did community, and Penton did preaching through pictures.

“They also did a collection and presented me with a cheque, which was really kind of them.

“At 70 I feel it is the right time to give up the full responsibilities.

I’ll still be doing services from time to time and helping the church out, but I’m going to concentrate on being a grandmother.”

Sally Brewer, a church warden at St Thomas, said: “The legacy she is leaving behind is the fact the benefice is now really combined.

She worked very hard to bring us all together and she will be missed.”