THE new Vicar of the Close for Salisbury Cathedral is The Rev Canon Ian Woodward, vicar of Bere Regis and Affpuddle with Turnerspuddle.

He succeeds The Rev Canon Charles Mitchell Innes who leaves the cathedral in August after seven years in the role.

The Vicar of the Close works as part of the clergy team with the Dean, Canon Chancellor, Canon Precentor and Canon Treasurer.

The main responsibilities of the role focus on the support and strengthening of the cathedral community through the provision of pastoral care and faith development.

Ian is already well known to the cathedral as a member of the College of Canons and Vice Chairman of the Salisbury Diocesan Sudan Committee. He is expected to start his new ministry in October.

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Rev June Osborne, said: “The Vicar of the Close for Salisbury Cathedral works as a valued colleague as part of the clergy team with the Dean and Residentiary Canons.

“I am delighted that Canon Ian Woodward is to join us in that capacity as I have known Ian as a colleague in the diocese for almost 20 years and we have on several occasions travelled together in South Sudan building the partnership with our link Province of the Episcopal Church there.”

Canon Ian Woodward added: “I am delighted to be entering into a new phase of ministry in a place where it feels very much like coming home. The forthcoming celebrations for the 800 years of Magna Carta will give an opportunity to show the cathedral to a wider audience.”