Around 300 people attended the celebration at Gaywood's Holy Family Church, which marked the end of his ten years service in the parish.

Fr Finegan is moving to a new position in Stowmarket and will be replaced by Fr Peter Rollings, who originates from Middlesborough but who has been parish priest at Sudbury in Suffolk.

After mass a large gathering of parishioners and friends visited St Martha's School for a supper prepared by all in the parish, which included a variety of foods from different nations. 

Fr Finegan then received a book of farewell messages, presented by youngster Jacob George, along with a cheque from the parish and two engraved glasses.

Parish communications officer Pauline McSherry said: "Fr Finegan has been a much-loved parish priest and will be missed by many. 

"The tributes paid to him were simply a small token of our appreciation for his ten years of faithful and devoted ministry. He was indeed surrounded and swamped by love and prayers. We will miss him."