Captains Stuart and Paula Ashman have been told by the Salvation Army they must move on to a new church in King’s Lynn after eight happy, successful years in Haverhill.

During that time the couple have seen major changes, including the revamp of the Chauntry Road hall, the creation of the Clements estate shop and community centre and a massive increase in numbers for Christmas dinner on Christmas Day for people who would otherwise have spent it alone.

Stuart, 38, said: “Everything we do is an expression of our faith and an expression of being part of our family.

“Haverhill is a good place to be. Not enough people say that.

“There are good people here, who are friendly and warm and there’s great potential in the future of the town.

“We’ve said we don’t want to go but they have said you’ve stayed long enough.”

Like with the armed forces, people involved with the Salvation Army are moved around and stationed elsewhere.

Stuart said: “We’d liked to express our thanks to the people who have supported us over the last eight years.

“We leave lots of friends and part of our heart stays here really.”

Paula said: “It’s been about making people who come here feel important and cared for.”