TWO villages in Pendle have welcomed a new vicar.

The Reverend Jane Bury became vicar of Fence and Higham at a ceremony in St Anne’s Church just before Christmas She was presented by Mrs Susan Hughes, deputy lieutenant of Lancashire, before being installed and inducted by Bishop Geoff Pearson.

A full church, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle, representatives of both parishes, their schools, and leaders of the other denominations, was present to welcoming the incoming Rev Bury.

She and the Rev John Hallows, vicar of Barrowford and Newchurch-in-Pendle, committed to working together as a cluster.

Rev Bury takes over from the retired Rev Richard Adams.