THE new rector of South Tawton with Belstone takes up his new post this week.

The Rev Michael Thayer, who previously served in Wiltshire as Prison Chaplain of HMP Earlestoke, Devizes is the new parish rector.

The Rt Rev Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter, is due to perform the induction of Mr Thayer at South Tawton at 7.30pm tomorrow (Friday).

Mr Thayer is married to Rosaleen. His interests include sports, walking the dog, fly fishing and occasional ? though usually not profitable ? trips to the races!

He especially enjoys music and likes to sing and said: ?I have been known to bring tears to the eyes of music lovers!?

Mr Thayer said he was looking forward to working in South Tawton and Belstone.

?I?m finishing as a prison chaplain, and I feel I deserve my parole; after work in the Royal Navy, Hospital and Prison chaplaincies.

?I?m pleased to be moving to a more balanced ministry, and Rosaleen and I are both looking forward to being part of a village community,? he said.