A special service for a former rector who oversaw local parishes for over 25 years, was attended by hundreds of people earlier this month.

On Saturday April 2, family, friends, colleagues and parishioners gathered at Llandefalle Church to pay tribute to the late Rev’d Ian Charlesworth.

Rev’d Charlesworth sadly died two years ago, in April 2020, aged only 55.

He was a larger-than-life character and had been the incumbent rector for the five parishes of Llandefalle, Llyswen, Boughrood, Talachddu and Llanstephan for more than 25 years, bringing an energy and commitment which is now sorely missed.

The congregation of several hundred heard from various speakers of his zest for life and his comic timing when giving a sermon - but always finishing with a serious message. It was always a message of the importance of love.

With love is how he lived his life, Christian love and love for his family.