PERSHORE'S new vicar is looking forward to becoming part of the town's 'rich tapestry' and a familiar face to residents.

The Rev Kenneth Crawford originally comes from Australia, but he has lived in England for six years where he has served as minister in Warndon, Worcester. A keen historian, Mr Crawford claims Pershore's history was one of the main things that attracted him to his new post.

Mr Crawford, aged 55, said: "Pershore is a magnificent town. It is not so much coming to a rural area that attracted me but coming to an area where there is a huge history of ministry and in this area, from 965 right up to 2003."

"I am looking forward to becoming part of that rich tapestry in this gorgeous town. When my son came and had a look around he said that this was absolutely me. Everything in Australia is based on British heritage and I grew up with everything to do with England."

The father-of-three officially began his new role on Sunday, October 12 when his induction was held at Pershore Abbey. And Mr Crawford said he was delighted with the turnout and the encouragement he has received from the town's residents.

Mr Crawford said: "The place was packed to capacity and the flowers were fantastic.

"So many different groups, including the Scouts, town council and Pershore College asked to spend some time with me to talk about ways in which they can be involved in my life."

"The people of Pershore regard the Abbey as their building. It is the primary building in the town and for them to come to me and say they would like to be involved is absolutely marvellous. It is essential for us to be involved in what we are on about - caring for people and loving them."

Pershore's new minister is also an accomplished academic having studied at Melbourne University and New York's Columbia University. He went on to teach for ten years before being ordained 16 years ago in Melbourne. Mr Crawford was later appointed canon precentor at the city's cathedral.

In his role as Pershore's new vicar, Mr Crawford is keen to become a people person. He said: "I am very keen that the whole town should know who I am as me, not just because I have got a collar on. I would like people to feel able to stop and chat to me in the street."

"I want to walk the High Street and introduce myself to the shopkeepers and people whose lives are in that street."

Mr Crawford is just as enthusiastic to let people know about the relevance Christianity can still play in peoples' lives.

He said: "I think Christianity has a place more than ever in the modern world. The church has a huge responsibility to make the Gospel relevant to life. If the Church does that, I am serving my people very well."

He added: "I hope I will be progressive in showing a new way in how the Church can be really relevant to the community, in a way that is welcoming and warm. Sometimes we must have to get rid of the jargon and I have received so much support and care that I am overwhelmed by it."