A PARISH priest in Grimethorpe is quitting smoking a pipe after 35 years.
Father Peter Needham is kicking the habit and wants people to sponsor him to raise money for church funds.
He was diagnosed with diabetes last May and will give up on Ash Wednesday after being told by doctors that smoking was affecting his circulation.
Father Peter, who has over 30 pipes, said: "Lent seemed like an appropriate time. I won't miss smoking but I will miss my pipe."
He will throw his collection away and will resist temptation when Lent has finished.
Any money raised will be split between Diabetes UK, St Luke's Church and St Paul's Church in Brierley.
