A special flower festival was held at the Lowestoft Salvation Army Citadel as a tribute to the work and service of Majors Barry and Cindy Willson who are retiring. Picture: Nick Butcher

A fond farewell has ben given to a couple who have aided disadvantage and vulnerable people in Lowestoft and helped spread God’s love about the town.

This morning Barry and Cindy Willson, who as majors were head of the town’s Salvation Army base at the Citadel, were given a rousing send off by more than 40 people as they headed into retirement.

The couple have been at the helm of the Beach Road building and its congregation for the last five years.

In their time at the Lowestoft’s Salvation Army branch the Willsons have seen a significant increase in congregation members, have developed a successful Tuesday afternoon fellowship meetings and provided meals for up to 50 people in need every week.

On Saturday morning Mr and Mrs Willsons were thanked for their five year’s service at a flower festival in the Citadel, which was set up as a tribute to them.

Mr and Mrs Willson were married in October 1968 and have six children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

They are moving to Attleborough to begin their retirement.

They will be replaced by Lt Angela Wilson who will assume command of the Citadel on July 26.