PARISHIONERS at St Andrew's Church on the Hillock estate welcomed a new man at the helm this week.
Rev Andy Williams was inducted at the Mersey Drive church in an official service.
He takes over from former vicar Rev Keith Ashworth, who retired from the parish last May which meant visiting clergy had to keep the regular services going.
Mr Williams, a divorced father-of-one, comes to Whitefield from a church in Whittle-le-Woods in Chorley, where he spent 18 months.
Originally from Blackpool, Mr Williams (40) is looking forward to the challenge of being in charge of his own parish.
He said: "It seemed the right time to have my own parish and it was suggested that I came to Hillock. I liked the place and the people so I decided to take up the position. I have always been the curate before, who is answerable to the vicar, but I suppose now the buck stops with me!"
"I am looking forward to working with the people on the estate," he added. "Roll on the future."
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