A new vicar set to take up the reins at a well-known Suffolk church says he is excited to take on the role.

Revd Nigel Prior is to be the next Rector of St Mary’s Woodbridge and Priest-in-Charge of St Mary’s, Great Bealings.

He follows the Revd Canon Kevan McCormack, known locally as Kev the Rev, who retired in February after 20 years in the parish and six years as a chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen.

“I am very excited to arrive, if a little later than planned,” said Revd Prior.

“I look forward to serving both churches (soon to become a United Benefice) as faithfully and imaginatively as I can.”

Revd Prior comes from the parish of Mayfield in East Sussex, after spending more than 20 years in post there.

He originally comes from Loughton, Essex and is married to Liz from Irlam, Manchester, who was headteacher of Our Lady’s RC Primary School in Rottingdean before retiring recently.

“It is important to keep the rumour of God alive by every means of communication and contact possible,” said Revd Prior.

“Even if social distancing still feels awkward, we all need to feel and know the ‘still, small voice of God’ in our midst, and that we are each valued and loved by Him despite all the challenges we face.

“Suffolk is a very lovely place, the home of Benjamin Britten and Maggi Hambling, so I’m in good company.

“Woodbridge is a buzzy, diverse market town while St Mary’s Great Bealings is a country church which serves what is still a close-knit rural community.”

Revd Prior will be formally licensed and Inducted on St Bartholomew’s day, August 24, by Mike Harrison, the Bishop of Dunwich.

READ MORE: Chaplain to The Queen to retire after 20 years serving Suffolk church