SPIRITUAL life in Tolladine has been the focus of a shake-up as a new vicar starts work in the commmunity's recently refurbished church.

Father Nduna Mpunzi, who was born and grew up in South Africa, was welcomed into his Tolladine parish at a special ceremony overseen by the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby.

Father Nduna, aged 58, said he was very much looking forward to making Tolladine his home.

"My first service is giving me butterflies, but I am really looking forward to getting to know the people of Tolladine. So far they have been very welcoming," he said.

He added that he still needed to see how he could best put himself to work on the estate.

"I will be spending a lot of time getting my feet on the ground to see what should be done in Tolladine," he explained.

Because Christ Church is currently undergoing renovations with the Tolladine Community Centre on Rose Avenue, Tolladine, the induction ceremony was conducted at St Barnabas Church, Church Road, Rainbow Hill.

Father Nduna came to England in 1978, and studied at Birmingham and Glasgow universities, before spending time in many communities around the country.