KINGS Worthy church was packed to capacity to welcome its new rector.

Rev Paul Bradish was licensed at St Mary's Church and Headbourne Worthy's St Swithun's Church in a special ceremony.

He follows Alan Gordon, who left for Tamworth in April after 12 years in the parish.

The welcoming service was led by the Bishop of Basingstoke, David Williams, and attended by the Archdeacon of Bournemouth, local councillors and representatives from other Winchester churches.

A coach of parishioners from Rev Bradish's former church in Oxfordshire also joined the festivities.

Paul Bradish and his wife Helen have five adult children and eight grandchildren. Prior to ordination Rev Bradish had a career in law and business management.