A new vicar has been appointed at Market Drayton’s St Mary’s Church.
Reverend Martin Tanner will take up his post in August after beating off 20 other candidates to succeed Michael Hayes.
Mr Hayes left St Mary’s in October, after more than seven years, to take up a job in Somerset.
The new vicar is 54, married to Ruth and has two children.
He said: “Just in case you haven’t heard, let me break the news that I will be leaving to be the next priest-in-charge at Market Drayton.
“I am not moving because I am unhappy nor am I making a swift departure.
“The job jumped off the page when it was advertised nationally in the Church Times.
“Several people said to me ‘Martin, that’s just for you’.
“I happily applied and, after interview, I was offered the job.”
He is currently Vicar of Desborough in Northamptonshire and is seen as one of the “cool generation” of vicars.
Alan Venables, a warden at St Mary’s, said: “We are looking forward to it a great deal.
“We have tried to keep all the service patterns as normal with the help of lay readers, church wardens and local, retired priests.”
Rev Tanner has proved popular with children and young people in his current post, setting up a toddlers and pre-school playgroup.
Michael Hayes told the Advertiser: “I am delighted with the news that Martin Tanner is coming with his family.
“I wish him all the best and I am sure that he will enjoy his time in Market Drayton as Hilary and I enjoyed our time in both the church and the community.”
