Two of Dunstable's best-known figures have headed for pastures new following seven years at the heart of the town.

Majors Paul Wright and his wife Jacqui have said farewell to their congregation at the Salvation Army Worshoip and Community Centre in Bull Pond Lane.

Since arriving from Oxford in May 2001, both have served as Dunstable Town Mayor's chaplains.

They also led emergency teams responding to the London bombings in 2005 and the Buncefield explosion in Hertfordshire in the same year.

The couple have been heavily involved in the scouting and girl guiding movements in Dunstable as well.

Major Jacqui was a leader with the 12th Dunstable Brownie Brigade for several years, as well as being the group's treasurer.

And Major Paul has led the scouts' St George's Day service for the past six years.

The pair are familiar faces with young and old alike - as well as conducting assemblies in local schools, the Majors also led the Salvation Army's Over 75s programme, which meets every Thursday.

They are now heading to the Belfast Temple Corps in the Creagh area of the Northern Irish capital.

The Majors' successors, Captains Andrew and Debra Burrows, will be holding a welcome service on Sunday (August 10).