A FORMER Stourbridge Grammar School pupil is returning to Worcestershire to become social responsibility officer for the Diocese of Worcester.

Rev John Paxton is leaving his post as senior chaplain in the South London Industrial Mission and rector of Christ Church in Southwark to take up his new role in the autumn.

As social responsibility officer it will be Mr Paxton's job to advise and help the diocese and parishes on issues like justice, poverty, community development, family life, rural issues and racism.

First curacy

Mr Paxton grew up in Worcestershire and served his first curacy in Redditch after being ordained as a priest in 1974.

The 54-year-old, who will be moving back to the county with his wife Linda, said he was "excited by the potential for work in the county".

"This expands my interests and experience in this area of work," he said.

"I'm looking forward to coming to the Worcester Diocese and working with teams of people in many different areas of ministry of the Board of Social Responsibility."