THE congregation of Great Malvern Priory welcomed their new vicar at a service on Sunday.

The Rev Rod Corke and his wife Rita, plus members of their family and no fewer than 120 visitors from his former parish in Taunton attended the service of collation and induction.

Church manager Anne Rich said: "It was a very joyous service.

"Their choir members joined with the Priory’s to lead us in making a joyful noise to the Lord. The Bishop of Worcester carried out the solemn legal parts of the ceremony and the Archdeacon inducted Rod into our parish.

"Rod led us all in prayer before the rural dean invited representatives of the priory and the civic community to welcome him with appropriate gifts.

"Every Priory member present promised to support him as he takes us forward in the coming days. "He then went to the church door to be instructed that he now has the cure of all the souls in the parish.

"Rod led us out to the glebe in our grounds where delicious refreshments organised by our welcome group rounded off this glorious and happy day. We look forward to changes and challenges in the days to come."