A VICAR has said that he ‘can’t wait’ to take up his new role after a ‘fantastic’ response from people in the area to his charity challenge.

Reverend Martin Joss has announced that he is set to take over as vicar for the parish of Oswaldtwistle on Friday, May 5.

The news was announced to parishioners in church on Sunday, where they were also informed of Rev Joss’ ‘mean bean challenge’.

He will be eating nothing but porridge, rice and beans for five days at the end of the month from Monday, March 27, until Friday, March 31.

He is looking to raise £500 for the Tearfund charity and people from Oswaldtwistle have already donated around £100 to the cause.

Rev Joss said: “If I’m getting this sort of support before I even come to the area I’d be stupid not to be looking forward to moving here.

“Everybody has been so warm to me already, what’s not to like, it’s been a fantastic welcome.

“It’s not just £5 people are donating, there are donations of £25 from people I’ve never even met, I’m so thankful.”

Rev Joss received donations from local groups such as St Pauls Church in Oswaldtwistle and several keen church goers.

The 56-year-old is currently vicar of three churches in Coalville, Leicestershire.

He is taking on his latest challenge at the end of the month to raise for Tearfund and he has collected £210 in total so far.

Tearfund, the Christian charity works to relieve poverty.

He said: “I will do it, I’m determined.

“It’s a win, win. We can remember how much we have that others take for granted and also raise money for those in need.”

When he takes up his new role at the start of May, he will be vicar of All Saints Parish Church, The Parish Church of Immanuel, and St Pauls Church.

The father-of-two said: “I’ve heard nothing but great things about Lancashire, my wife Val grew up in Clitheroe before moving to Barrowford.”

Cllr Judith Addison, who represents the Immanuel ward on Hyndburn Council also donated to his cause, said: “We’re hoping that the donations will let Martin know what nice people we are here in Oswaldtwistle.

“We want to make him feel welcome and at home in the community." To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/martins-mean-bean-challenge.