A SERVICE is to be held to institute a new vicar in Wythall after the role was left vacant for a year when ill health caused the previous vicar to step down

New vicar The Rev Mike Godfrey, 52, was born and bred in Norfolk and spent four years in the Royal Air Force before training to teach at High Melton, Doncaster.

After further training he was ordained as a Church of England minister.

During the last 21 years he has served in numerous places, including Aylesbury, Oldham and Doncaster.

Mr Godfrey said: "The Anglican Church in Wythall has chosen as its mission statement 'Bringing Jesus to Wythall and Wythall to Jesus' and to my mind that's what Christian life is all about - knowing Jesus and making Him known to others.

"I'm really looking forward to getting to know many in the parish over the coming years."

Mr Godfrey is married to Susan, who has just begun a new teaching job at Highters Heath Infant and Junior School in Birmingham.

They have two adult children, Jo and Peter, who are both starting higher education courses this September.

The previous vicar, The Rev Peter Thompson, relinquished his post last autumn after revealing in March he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease four years previously.

The village has not had a church since the closure of St Mary's several years ago and plans submitted for a new church building have met with objections from the parish council and some residents because of concerns over visual impact, parking provision, traffic and noise.

Mr Godfrey's service will be held at 7.30pm in Park Hall, Silver Street on Friday from 7.30pm.