TWO pillars of Launceston’s community have announced that after 12 years, they will be leaving the town.

The Gateway Centre in Launceston has been a haven for those in and around Launceston for many years, and many people will associate the community hub with two individuals, Theresa and Kevin Pickup.

However, the pair have announced that at the end of January, they will be leaving the town and moving onto something new.

After being associated with the church for the past 12 years, of which the last six Kevin has been lead pastor, the duo will be moving to the Swindon area to help support family members.

A spokesperson from Gateway Church said: “We would like to publicly thank them for their ministry and service here in Launceston and pray that their move will go smoothly.

“We will be holding a service of farewell for Kevin and Teresa on the January 26 at 10.30am here at the Gateway Centre, followed by a bring and share party.”

Speaking to the Post about their move, Kevin said: “Over the past 12 years and particularly, the last six years we have been privileged to be a part of something special here in North Cornwall. We have seen the church grow, the Gateway Centre thrive and our connections within the local community deepen. Our heart has always been to be a part of the wonderful community of Launceston and it will be very sad when we leave at the end of January.

“We are thrilled that the community centre has been utilised and embraced by such diverse people and is at a point where is serves six to eight per cent of the community each month. As we hand over to a new Pastor, we hope that the community of Launceston will continue to benefit and support the services provided.”