A CLERGYMAN who spent years travelling the world with a shipping company is dropping anchor at St Cuthbert's Church in Fulwood as the new vicar.

The Rev Christopher Halliwell will be instituted as vicar at the Douglas Road church on Thursday, September 13, by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Reverend Alan Chesters.

Rev Halliwell, 44, who is married with two children, joins the Preston parish from the Leicester diocese, where he was a team vicar.

And to prepare for his new role the Bolton-born clergyman has already moved to the parish with his family and admits he is happy to be back 'up North'.

"We have had a wonderful welcome as a family. This is certainly an adventure for all of us, as my two boys will be starting new schools as well," he added.

Rev Halliwell studied for a degree at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne before joining the church ministry and embarking on further training at Trinity College, Bristol.

He later took up roles at parishes in Suffolk and Leicester where he played an active role in the community.

As well as being a keen musician Rev Halliwell is fluent in Danish and enjoys sport including cricket which he played for the Diocese of Leicester.

Rev Halliwell said: "I can't wait to start at St Cuthbert's. My aim here is to spread the gospel. To encourage the sharing and living of the teachings of Jesus Christ."

The wardens and Parochial Church Council of St Cuthbert's are calling on parishioners to meet their new vicar and his family. For details call 717346,