A long-respected member of a Colwyn Bay school bowed out on Friday during the final service of the academic year.

In his last Celebration Chapel at Rydal Penrhos School, the Reverend Nick Sissons passed the torch – or the robe in this case – to the Reverend Dr Rob Beamish, who be assuming the role of Chaplain from September.

In a touching tribute the school said: "One thing that’s really helped keep spirits up over the academic year at Rydal Penrhos is the virtual chapels and assemblies organised by the school.

"Despite restrictions meaning these events weren’t permitted to take place in person, the Reverend Nick Sissons and other staff members ensured stability and some semblance of normality in uncertain times by producing content to view online.

"This is yet further proof of Rydal Penrhos going above and beyond the call of duty for its pupils, which has been especially evident over the last 16 months and something that’s benefit the entire school community enormously.

"Rev’d Sissons is in the final few days of his time at the school after an incredible 12 years. He has now decided it is the right time to make a return to the Church Ministry, giving himself a sufficient period in which to engage with a worshipping community."

"On behalf of everybody at the school, we would like to thank Rev’d Sissons for his exceptional commitment. We wish him the very best of luck in his new role and he will always be a member of the Rydal Penrhos family after such an outstanding contribution over the years".

The popular and much-respected figure will become the new Superintendent Minister for the Bangor and Holyhead circuit and join the chaplaincy team at Bangor University.

Rev’d Dr Beamish was educated at St John’s College Southsea before being awarded an MA in Theology and Philosophy at the University of Oxford. He also has a PhD in Theology from King’s College London and is also a qualified teacher.