THE Rector of Upton, Canon Christopher Hardwick, has been appointed Dean of Truro Cathedral.

Canon Hardwick, who has served his whole ministry in the Worcester Diocese, is currently Rector of Upton, Ripple, Earl's Croome, Hills Croome and Strensham, as well as Rural Dean of Upton Deanery.

He began his ministry as an assistant curate and has also been a part-time chaplain for St Richard's Hospice. In 2003, he was appointed an honorary canon of Worcester Cathedral.

Canon Hardwick was elected vice-president of the Worcester Diocesan Synod in 2002 and, at a national level, was elected to the General Synod in 2004.

He is married and will move to Cornwall with his wife Linda and two children David, 18, and Rebecca, 15.

David was awarded a choral scholarship at Truro Cathedral at the end of last year.

"I'm looking forward to moving, to being part of the life of the cathedral and the city and working with a new team of colleagues," said Canon Hardwick.

He said it was sad that ten happy years in Upton and the surrounding parishes was coming to an end.

"My family and I will be leaving the Worcester Diocese with fond memories of good and happy times here," he said.