MORE than 500 people flocked to Romsey Abbey to welcome its latest vicar with open arms.

The Rev Tim Sledge was this week instituted as the new vicar of Romsey Abbey at a symbolic ceremony held at the Abbey.

The Rev Sledge, who takes over from long-serving incumbent Canon Neil Crawford-Jones, who retired in June, said: "I've just found this a thoroughly lovely town to be living in. It has retained a wonderful sense of community at a time when a lot of towns are becoming urban sprawl.

"I have been really impressed since day one with the spirit of friendship between the various Christian churches and worshippers in Romsey."

At the ceremony, the Rev Sledge was presented with three religious symbols by the Bishop of Southamp-ton, the Rt Rev Paul Butler (pictured with Rev Sledge).

Mr Sledge, originally from Dronfield, near Sheffield, was ordained at Wakefield Cathedral in 1995. His first Church role was as curate at Hudder-sfield's St Thomas Church and assistant missioner for the Diocese of Wakefield.

He was then vicar of three churches in the Halifax area until he became the diocesan mission enabler for 365 parishes in the Peterborough Diocese.