Otley is at last to get a new vicar - all the way from Uganda.

Graham Buttershaw, 40, has been in Africa for the last four years with the Church Mission Society, where he has been training church leaders displaced by the civil war for the Episcopal Church of Sudan.

Now, Rev Buttershaw is due back in the country and will take up his new position at All Saints Parish Church, Kirkgate, on Sunday, November 7.

Mr Buttershaw, who is married to Janet and has two children, Mark, nine, and Timothy, six months, said he was looking forward to being in Otley.

He said: "I am fired by the challenge of maintaining a powerful Christian influence in Otley that continues to be inclusive and outward looking but is nonetheless relevant and challenging."

Mr Buttershaw added he was also drawn to the splendid view from the top of Otley Chevin.

"How can you say no to a town that looks that beautiful? It looks very inviting, " he said.

Mr Buttershaw, who enjoys cricket, drama and real ale, has degrees in Economics and English Literature from Trinity College, Dublin and trained for the ministry at St John's College, Nottingham. He served as a curate in Edge Hill, Liverpool.

The church has been without a full time vicar for more than a year after the departure of Rev Ian Rodley.

And at last Sunday's services, when Mr Buttershaw's appointment was announced, there was resounding applause from the congregations.

A special service will be held at the church once Mr Buttershaw and his family arrive in the town.

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