HAWORTH and Cross Roads have a new rector.

The Rev Oliver Preston is taking up his first parish appointment, after serving as an associate minister (Pioneer) at Christ Church, Bridlington.

He succeeds the Rev Peter Mullins, who retired last September.

A licensing service for the Rev Preston takes place at Haworth Parish Church on Friday (July 21), at 7.30pm.

The 35-year-old was born and grew up in Scarborough.

He is married to Joanne and they have two children, Betty, nine, and Cayden, five.

The Rev Preston says: "I love the coast, but I’m looking forward to exploring and loving a new landscape in the moors and valleys surrounding the Worth Valley.

"As a parent of young children, I’m particularly interested in helping other young families to find a home in church.

"Sometimes church gatherings can be really stressful as a parent – often our children just aren’t designed to be still and quiet!"

Whilst in Bridlington he and his wife established a church and community called 'Branches: church in a garden', which usually met informally outdoors, and normally with food.

He trained as a youth and community worker before deciding to follow a ministry within the Church of England.

His interests include writing and performing poetry and music, and climate and ecological issues.