A WINCHESTER priest has celebrated 50 years of his ordainment with parishioners.

A service to mark the occasion was held for the Rev Reg Sweet, the master of St Cross, attended by the former master, Michael Harley, now the Archdeacon of Winchester, and Canon Andi Hofbauer, of Wakefield Cathedral.

Mr Sweet was also joined by officials from his formative naval years, including vice admiral Sir Charles Montgomery, Second Sea Lord and commodore Bill Walworth RFA, as well as the Brothers and trustees of the hospital. A reception followed in the 500-year-old Brethren’s Hall.

Rev Sweet was a chaplain in the Royal Navy for nearly 25 years before becoming the senior chaplain to the Mission of Seamen. He also serves the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, the Anchorites, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association, Solent Branch and the Mission to Seafarers in the city.