A?WEST?Devon clergyman has been installed as a Prebendary of Exeter Cathedral.

The Rev Preb Nick Shutt was installed by the Bishop of Exeter and the Acting Dean and was supported by more than 50 parishioners from the West Dartmoor Benefice as well as family members who had travelled across Dartmoor to Exeter.

The ancient service of installation was part of choral evensong at the cathedral.

Mr?Shutt took various oaths before being forcibly pressed into his seat in the cathedral by two supporting prebendaries.

The role of prebendary involves Mr Shutt in the life and work of the cathedral, including an obligation to preach there at least once a year.

He said: 'It is a great honour for me to be installed as a Prebendary at Exeter Cathedral.

'My family are a great support to me and keep my feet firmly on the ground.

'My grandson Alex, aged three, normally calls me "Gra Gra" and with some encouragement from my wife, Corinne, my son Chris, daughter-in-law Sarah and my daughter Helen, he has been schooled to refer to me as "Canon Gra Gra", much to everyone's amusement.'

Mr Shutt is pictured holding a small bread roll — his stipend as a prebendary.

'At last I have an income from the church for my ministry!' he joked. The bread roll was later shared with his family at a meal.

'It was humbling to look around the cathedral and see so many faces of people I know who had come to support me. It was a great occasion.'

Mr Shutt is the self-supporting Rector of the West Dartmoor Benefice, which includes Yelverton, Meavy, Sheepstor, Walkhampton and Princetown.

'I will continue in my roll as Rector as I am ably supported by a team of ministers and a great bunch of people in each congregation,' he said.