THE Revs Jock and Margaret Stein said goodbye to the congregation at Cockenzie Old Parish Church at the weekend after five years as joint locum ministers.

The married couple, from Haddington, retired from the church to focus on charity work.

Mr Stein, 72, revealed he was involved with a new independent charity which works with schools to promote social skills called the Art of Friendship.

And he said both he and his wife remained available to step in and help the Church of Scotland if needed.

He said: “This is the third time we have retired. Cockenzie and Port Seton was a unique parish and after five years we felt it was time.” Mr Stein will be devoting more of his time to the charity which promotes friendship education in schools.

He said: “The programme aims to help young people learn about friendship.

“So many have virtual friends on social media, and know little about what real friendship is.” The church will now have been without a permanently-appointed minister for 10 years.

Lothian Presbytery has confirmed that the Rev John Vischer has agreed to become interim moderator, with Marilynn Steele, taking on the locum role.

A spokesman said: “Cockenzie and Port Seton Old Church remains in the guardianship of Presbytery and now that the Revs Jock and Margaret Stein are moving, will have the Rev John Vischer, minister of Garvald & Morham with Haddington West, as its moderator, and Ms Marilynn Steele, Deacon, as locum.”