Two clergymen are heading for pastures new in Preston and Leyland.

The Reverend Toby Webber, has been appointed priest in charge of St Aidan's, Bamber Bridge, with his licensing at the church on Wednesday, March 29.

Rev Webber, 30, originally from the Dartmoor area of Devon, studied for the priesthood at Wycliffe College, Oxford, before becoming curate at St Laurence's Church, Chorley.

"I'm excited about the prospect of moving to St Aidan's," said Rev Webber.

"There is construction of new buildings going on at the church at the moment and that will be a challenge for the first few months."

At St James' CofE Church, Slater Lane, Leyland, the Rev Allan Gwillim, 54, who will be formally inducted on January 30.

Rev Gwillim, originally from Kidderminster, Worcester, has been a priest since 1989 and comes to the town from St Peter's Church, Fleetwood, after nearly four years. He has also preached in parishes in Lancaster and Ellel, near Lancaster.

"Leyland seems like an interesting place," he said. "Everyone seems really friendly and parishioners have been really helpful.

"I want to make sure the church is a part of the community as it already is."