For the last three years Rev'd Huw Riden has been a curate in Exmouth, but he is now swapping his clerical robes for military fatigues as he begins training to be an army chaplain.

Huw is a former member of the Parachute Regiment and his Littleham, Exmouth & Lympstone Mission Community has included Lympstone Royal Marine Commando Training Centre.

"I couldn't have asked for a better place to have served my curacy," he said.

Huw's experience in the military included serving as a soldier in Northern Ireland, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Iraq.

This was followed by 10 years living in Dubai with his family as a military advisor to the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

"I was blessed by the link which exists between the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf and the Diocese of Exeter, and was accepted for full-time ministry here in Devon."

"This Sunday is my last day as a curate, after that, I go on to become an army chaplain, and after completion of the PQO (Professionally Qualified Officer's) course at Sandhurst, I will be posted to a Signals Regiment near Salisbury."

Huw said he was sad to be leaving the Diocese of Exeter but said "I think military chaplaincy will suit me.

"It will have its own challenges but it is about communicating the Gospel in a different setting and in a military environment."

Huw also previously worked as a commercial photographer and has undertaken a number of photography projects for the diocese over the last two years.

He has also been filming and editing online services since March, including one in which he appeared to be hovering over Exmouth beach on a flying carpet!

Above is a video of Rev'd Huw Riden reflecting on his time at the Diocese and his decision to become an Army Chaplain.