A FORMER teacher and youth worker from Birmingham is the new rector of St James's, Clitheroe.

The Rev Mark Pickett, 42, takes over from the Rev Ron Philpott, who is retiring after 10 years.

Mark Pickett grew up in Eastbourne and after training as a teacher and youth worker in Birmingham worked in London for 10 years, before training for the ministry at Trinity College, Bristol.

He currently works for the Thetford Team Ministry and will take over at St James's Church in September.

He is married to Della and the couple have five children aged five to 16.