A MIDDLEWICH vicar was officially welcomed into his new community role at a service at St Michael and All Angels Church on Monday night.

The Rev Ian Bishop was selected to take on the role as rural dean for Middlewich, Winsford, Northwich and surrounding villages by the Diocese of Chester after the Rev Michael Ridley, from Weaverham, took up a new post earlier this year.

The commissioning took place at the church, in St Michael's Way, and a host of church dignitaries were present to welcome Mr Bishop into his new role.

Mr Bishop said representatives from parishes gathered at the church and the service was in the context of a communion lead by the Rt Rev David Urquhart, Bishop of Birkenhead and the Venerable Donald Allister, Arch Deacon of Chester.

Mr Bishop said: "It was a very warm service and very nice service and it was lovely to be welcomed as rural dean in that way."