A NEW priest was welcomed by the ringing of bells at Sydling St Nicholas Church.

A special evening service was held on Sunday, November 19 to celebrate Reverend Pene Kennedy’s appointment as House for Duty Priest, a role based in Stratton.

As part of the celebration bellringers led by Ian Tucker and other ringers from Sydling, Charlton Down and Bradford Peverell, performed before the congregation.

Bishop Karen Gorham announced the appointment of Revd Kennedy at the service and said: “I am sure you will give Pene a warm welcome and continue to appreciate her many gifts – pastoral, liturgical and practical.

“I am encouraged by all that has already taken place in the developing new benefice of Charminster, Stinsford and the Chalk Stream Villages.

“New ways of working across churches takes time and needs to find its rhythm and stability before discovering the strengths of each Christian community and village.”