A NEW Vicar has started work in Kirkbymoorside, Gillamoor, Farndale, Bransdale and Edstone

Rev Paul Sunderland was instituted on Sunday night as Vicar of Kirkbymoorside with Gillamoor, Farndale, Bransdale and Edstone by the Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Revd Paul Ferguson, with the Archdeacon of Cleveland, the Ven Dr Amanda Bloor.

He succeeds the Rev Mark Brosnan who retired in the spring of 2023.

Rev Sunderland, 45, is married to Jeanette and has been Assistant Curate of Richmond with Hudswell, Downholme and Marske since his ordination in 2020. Previously he was a Senior Credit Underwriter and registered Mental Health First Aider at First Direct Bank, and served as Chair of Trustees of Bradford Street Angels where he was involved in the governance of the charity as well as being directly involved by leading patrols of volunteers on Friday and Saturday nights.

Kirkbymoorside Town Mayor Councillor Jill Wells read a lesson and other local faith leaders greeted Mr Sunderland.

"My appointment as your new Vicar was the worst-kept secret I have ever been asked to keep," he wrote in the church magazine, 'Surprise View'.

"Thank you to the dedicated team who have kept these amazing churches running for what I am sure seems a lifetime. I look forward to working with you all to further God's mission in this beautiful place. And what a place!"