THE Canon of Chester Cathedral has been appointed as the new priest in a group of villages near Whitchurch.

The Reverend Jeremy Dussek will be licencesed as the new priest for the Maelor Mission Area and will serve communities in Hanmer, Overton, Bronington and Penley.

The service will be conducted by Bishop Gregory Cameron and Archdeacon Barry Wilson in St Chad's Church in Hamner on Thursday, February 9 at 7pm.

Reverend Dussek served in Chester for eight years and also served in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Hampshire and Birmingham and he is looking forward to his new role.

He said: "I’m tremendously looking forward to moving to Maelor Mission Area and have already had a wonderful welcome from those I’ve met. 

"This summer I’ll celebrate the 25th Anniversary of my ordination to the priesthood and hope we can all share in the gifts which God uniquely gives us.

"The Church, in its mission of service, still has much to offer people, with 'faith, fun, and family central to this."

Rev Dussek describes himself as a big art and music fan.

For seven years he sang with the City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus and enjoys playing the cello and piano.

He also organised the 'Global Images of Christ' exhibition which consisted of 74 paintings and sculptures from both public and private collections.

It included works works commissioned to address the absence of how Christ is seen through the stories and accounts of black and ethnic voices.

Bishop Gregory welcomed Rev Dussek and believes he will serve the community well.

He added: "Jeremy is a person of great creativity and will bring much experience and flair to his new role.

"I am sure Jeremy’s ministry of sharing the gospel with warm hospitality will endear him to the communities in which he will serve."