A NEW vicar has been announced for the West Pendleside Benefice.

Rev Jonathan Carmyllie, who is currently serving in the Diocese of Manchester, will take over the St Mary and All Saints Church in Whalley, St Nicolas’ Church in Sabden and All Saints Church in Pendleton.

Rev Gill Dyer stepped down from the role earlier this year and retired to Mellor.

Writing in the parish magazine, church council member Ann Avery said: “Over the past few weeks the parish representatives elected by the church council, Karen Pugh, Judith Davies, myself and Peter Ward, have been working together to discuss the appointment of our new vicar.

"Myself and Peter met with representatives from Pendleton and Sabden to go through the selection process from the applications made, and then together with the Bishop of Burnley interviewed the selected candidates.

"We hope you will all be delighted in the choice we have made."

Rev Carmyllie grew up in Ramsbottom and was ordained as a priest in 1989.

He has ministered to parishes in Horwich, Edgeside and Astley where he is currently team rector in the Benefice of Leigh, Tydesley and Mosley Common.

From 2012 he has also been area dean of Leigh.