HUNDREDS of people turned out for the instillation of Worcester's new Archdeacon.

More than 800 people attended the service at Worcester Cathedral, as Canon Robert Jones was installed as the new Archdeacon, which marked the start of his ministry.

He said: "It was a very moving service and I was overwhelmed by the warmth and presence of so many people.

"There were lots of friendly faces who have been part of my story all the way along, and it was a wonderfully affirming start to this next part of my ministry.”

The new Archdeacon has been a priest in the Diocese of Worcester since he was ordained in 1980.

He spent four years as a curate at Holy Innocents, St John's and St Peter's in Kidderminster, before becoming vicar of St Francis in Dudley for eight years.

For 14 years, he was rector of St Barnabas with Christ Church, in Worcester eventually becoming the director of development, heading up the team responsible for clergy and lay training across the diocese.

Bishop John, who preached at the service, said: “No-one knows the Diocese better than Robert, few have ministered in it as long, or love it as much.

"One of Robert’s best qualities is a love of God and a love of people – he is a priest through and through.

" In his new role, Robert will have a wide brief and I know he will care for churches in the Worcester Archdeaconry with great love and diligence.

"My prayer is that he be able to lead as Archdeacon as he did on the diocesan pilgrimage earlier in the year, not getting between people and God, but allowing God to reach people and transform them.”