ST Stephen's Church in Redditch welcomes a new face to the congregation this week.

The Bishop of Worcester, the Right Rev Dr Peter Selby, will ordain the Rev Dick Johnson as the town's Industrial Chaplain at a special service this Saturday.

Mr Johnson is transferring to Redditch from a similar position in Blexley, Kent. The role of industrial chaplain is to provide ongoing support to a town's business and service community.

He is living in Brockhill and, along with his role of Industrial Chaplain, he will also be team vicar of the newly-formed Holy Trinity of Redditch.

The Rev Patricia Barford at the Church Green church said she is looking forward to welcoming Mr Johnson to the parish.

"I have been on my own for quite a while so I am very much looking forward to having someone else is the team."

And the ordination will be particularly special because it includes the debut performance of the newly-restored church organ.

The Rev Barford said: "We were able to restore the organ thanks to a very generous anonymous donation. Saturday will be the first time it is played."

However, she also re-issued an appeal for a new organ player. The town centre church has not had a full time organ player since the death of stalwart Harvey Morris.

She said the position would require someone with experience of playing the church organ and would need to be available at Sunday services as well as weddings and funerals.

Anyone interested can call Rev Barford on 61543.