THE Bishop of Dudley bid 'ta-ra a bit' to the Black Country with an emotional celebration at the Black Country Museum.

Hundreds of people joined a service of praise, prayer and thanksgiving at the 'big top' in the Tipton Road museum to say goodbye to Bishop Graham Usher as he leaves the region to become the new Bishop of Norwich.

Bishop Graham preached on the parable of the good Samaritan and urged people to reach out to the neighbours to counter division in society.

He also paid tribute to the work of organisations such as CHADD (Churches Housing Association of Dudley and District) who work to help the most vulnerable people in the community.

In his farewell speech he also listed his top things he will miss most about being the Bishop of Dudley, including slow cooked grey pays and bacon, walks on the Clent Hills during bluebell season and strolls through Netherton tunnel.

The work of organisations such as CHADD, the Black Country honesty of his parishioners and friendships with other faith communities were also praised.

He joked that he will not miss faggots and cold black pudding.

Bidding farewell to his colleague, friends and parishioners, he said: “We’re not to pull a fizzog or have a cob on. Don’t be a half-soaked bab or begin blarting. No more clarting about saying you’ll get on with it sometime. Loving God means getting out there, sharing our faith, and serving our neighbours – both their needs and through creating spaces where good conversations can happen. And until we meet again, it’s just, ta-ra a bit.”

The event also saw all present enjoy a curry made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.

Bishop Graham and his wife Rachel were presented with mementos for their time in the Black Country, including a a Dudley Bug, a piece of Stourbridge glass and a Black Country flag on a coaster.

They were also presented with a Delia Smith cookbook and the Norwich City mascot to ensure they are fully prepared for their new life in Norwich.