HANBURY has a new priest-in-charge after the Reverend David Morris was licensed this month, by the Bishop of Worcester John Inge in a ceremony at Hanbury Church.

The Rev Morris will oversee the Bowbrook Group, which consists of 12 churches across three parishes, and will be his first position in paid full-time ministry, after working until this year as a supply chain solutions manager for a health care company, and becoming ordained as a self-supporting minister four years ago.

He brings with him, his wife Kerry, a business studies teacher at Worcester Sixth Form College, and his daughters Hannah and Abigail.

He said: “I’m looking forward to serving the people in these different rural communities – and especially to working with their schools.”

The Rev Morris will also be working closely with the Reverend Wyn Beynon of Wychbold and Upton Warren, and the two have been licensed to work as associate priest of each other’s parishes.

A congregation filled Hanbury Church for the service to welcome the Rev Morris, with a sermon from Nikki Groarke, Archdeacon of Dudley.

The Rt Revd John Inge, said: “I’m delighted to be able to license David who’s no stranger to this part of the world. He brings to his new role very extensive experience in the secular world, and many gifts which will enable him to minster effectively.”

Hanbury churchwarden Judith Burman, added: “We’re looking forward to working with a man who is so clearly full of warmth and enthusiasm.”