FATHER Will Hazelwood has become vicar of the Benefice of Dartmouth and Dittisham.

A large congregation gathered at St Clement’s Church, Dartmouth, on Sunday night to see him installed.

Fr Will said he had been in the parish over four years as priest in charge and the diocese now wanted to return the title of vicar to the incumbent.

‘In practical terms, nothing much changes, but it was a good opportunity for the benefice to come together, to give thanks for all that we have been given in the past and to pray for the continuing growth of the benefice,’ he said.

‘It is a privilege to be your vicar and I look forward to continuing to serve in the parishes of Dartmouth and Dittisham.’

During the sung eucharist, Fr Will was presented to the Archdeacon of Totnes by the patrons of the parish before being installed in an ancient ceremony.