The new vicar for St Peter’s Church in March and St Mary’s in Westry has said he is looking forward to moving to the Fens.

Rev Andrew Smith, who is currently working in West Bromwich in the midlands, said: “I am very much looking forward to coming to March. I come with ideas and experience, compassion and commitment, but also aware of how much more I need to listen and learn, reflect and share.

“When I saw the job in March advertised again, having walked round the town, and having talked with family and colleagues it felt very right to apply.

Born in Leamington Spa, he studied chemistry at Birmingham and Nottingham Universities.

After working in church, community and political life in Walsall and Birmingham, he was ordained and spent four years in Stourport on Severn, where he married Pamela.

He was appointed vicar of All Saints in 2005 and Rural Dean of West Bromwich in 2008.

His wife has worked with adults with learning disabilities for 17 years and hopes to be involved in the life of the church and town.

The couple have daughters who have both moved to Peterborough within the last five years while their son lives and works in London.

Rev Smith said: “Being close to family explains, in part, why we are very pleased to be moving to March. I want to serve a place which is different from where we have been before, yet offers connections and opportunities to what I believe most passionately in; an inclusive welcoming church that tries to meet peoples real needs, that is compassionate and listening, is loving and gives hope.”

Rev Smith will be inducted at St Peter’s in April.

It is hoped that Rev Jenny Webb will be able to continue to serve in some way within the March team ministry once Rev Smith takes over.