The town of Ashburton and its surrounding moorland villages formally welcomed its new team rector at a licensing service on Wednesday (September 3).

Reverend Phillip Parker arrived in Ashburton in the summer with his wife, Morag and son Jude following the retirement of the Right Reverend Mark Rylands.

Phill was previously assistant curate in the South Tamar Mission Community in West Devon.

Before training for ordained ministry at St Mellitus College and in Devon, Phill had a varied career with jobs in IT and the police. He has degrees in computer science and theology and holds professional teaching qualifications.

Phill has also been involved with the Christians in Motorsport organisation for many years and was previously chair.