Outdoorsy husband and wife vicars who have been at the heart of their community are retiring.

Jacqueline Curtis, 56, and Peter Turnbull, 52, who are known in Cleator for their work with the army cadets as well as their charity endeavours, will be holding their final service next Sunday.

The pair is moving on for a "new challenge" in Carlton, Bedfordshire and said they will miss the people of Cleator.

Revd Curtis said, with the future of St Michael's in Arlecdon and St John's in Cleator Moor "uncertain" and the local clergy shrinking by 2020, they decided to apply for the "rare" job opportunity for a husband and wife pair of vicars.

They moved to Cleator eight years ago from Maltby, South Yorkshire because of their love of Cumbria and outdoor pursuits.

The pair enjoy kayaking, walking in the mountains and cycling. Revd Turnbull also admits to having a healthy obsession with squash.

Revd Turnbull said he has enjoyed working with the army cadets locally and it has seen him travel all over the country. He is also a director of Calderwood House which provides shelter for homeless veterans.

Revd Turnbull said: "Being part of Calderwood House has introduced me to some inspirational people and it has been an incredible experience."

The pair was given sabbaticals in which Revd Curtis travelled to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain and Revd Turnbull raised £6,000 for Give Us a Break 2010 - a charity which aimed to provide disabled children with access to fun in a safe and loving environment.

Revd Curtis said: "It has been a huge honour to be part of people's lives in this area and to have been there through the marriages, baptisms, funerals and regular worship.

"People have welcomed us into their lives and the community - which has been an enormous honour. We will miss the people very much and we hope to keep in touch with many of them."

Their final service will be held at St John's Church, Cleator Moor at 10am on Sunday September 13.

Revd Curtis said: "Everybody is welcome, it would be lovely to see everyone at the service."