A CHURCH of England minister is leaving behind the rolling hills of Worcestershire to take a new post in the holiday hotspot of Corfu.

The Rev Clifford Owen, rector of Clifton-upon-Teme, is to leave the post he has held since 1989 after being appointed chaplain to the Anglican Church of Holy Trinity, on the Greek island.

Rev Owen, whose current post also covers Lower Sapey and The Shelsleys, and who is also diocesan ecumenical officer in the Diocese of Worcester, will take up his new post in January.

"It will be a wrench to leave, and this area will always be part of my heart and soul, but I am looking forward to my new post with nervous anticipation," he said.

Despite having previously visited Greek islands when he was in the Navy back in the 1960s, Rev Owen had never stepped on the island which is to become his home before this year.

However, he found himself being drawn to the warmer climes of the Med after coming close to a posting in Paris.

"I hoped to go to Paris, but missed out. However, I am really looking forward to this," added the keen marathon runner.

Rev Owen visited Corfu at the end of August with his wife Avis and was offered the post.

The couple will now be concentrating on the work and culture adjustment that awaits them, as he heads a multi-denominational congregation.

"It won't be a matter of just lying on a hot beach putting my feet up. We will have to learn Greek and make contact with the Greek Orthodox church. It will be a great challenge, but an exciting one."