THE new team rector for Marlborough is to be licensed by the Bishop of Ramsbury on September 24 at 7pm.

The Rev Chris Smith will take charge of St Mary's, Marlborough, Preshute and Mildenhall is moving to Marlborough with his wife Catherine and four sons aged between 12 and 19.

He is moving to Marlborough from Chevening in Kent where he has been for 10 years but he is no stranger to Wiltshire as he grew up in Chaddleworth on the Berkshire Downs and often visited Marlborough.

He said he was looking forward to moving to the town and getting to know as many people as possible.

But his work has taken him far and wide and was previously Associate Rector at Zion Episcopal Church in Vermont, USA. aHe trained for ordination at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford before working at Holy Trinity, at Brompton in London.

His interests include walking and beekeeping. He hopes to be able to keep bees at his new home in Marlborough.

He said: "I'm really excited about the new role and can't wait to start in Marlborough. People have been so friendly and welcoming."