ST ANNE'S church in Bewdley is to welcome its new rector in time for Christmas.

The institution of Keith James will take place on December 16. Mr James was born in New Zealand and has three young children.

He is married to Linda and counts Burnley Football Club and whisky among his interests.

Mr James - who comes from the parish of Cherry Willingham in Lincolnshire -will also take over at St Leonard's in Ribbesford and St Andrew's in Button Oak. He replaces Geoff Anderson who has retired.