A VICAR from Walkhampton has been chosen as the new Rector of the West Dartmoor Benefice.

The Bishop of Plymouth recently announced that the Rev Nick Shutt is to be the new Rector of the benefice, which includes the parishes of Yelverton, Meavy, Sheepstor, Walkhampton and Princetown.

Mr Shutt has been acting as priest-in-charge for the last 12 months and this arrangement is now to be made permanent.

Mr Shutt has undertaken this role as a non-stipendiary minister, combining it with his studies at Plymouth College of Art where he is in his second year of a degree in photography.

He said: 'The last 12 months have been very busy and have flown by.

'I have enjoyed the challenge of sharing the good news, as well as getting to meet so many different people over the year. I have been buoyed by everyone's support and good wishes.'

Mr Shutt was ordained as a priest in the Church of England in 1994 and has served in the area ever since. He lives in Walkhampton and has done so since 1982.

He retired as a solicitor in 2008 to take up studies at Plymouth College of Art. He agreed to take on the role of priest-in-charge when the previous rector took up a new post in the Birmingham area.

Mr Shutt said: 'My retirement was short-lived but I wouldn't want it to be any different from how it has been over the last 12 months.

'I am enjoying both my studies and the work I am doing as a minister.'

Mike Dobson, a churchwarden in the benefice, welcomed Mr Shutt's appointment.

He said: 'The benefice is delighted with this news and is looking forward to a period of stability and continued progress in the development of the benefice's aims, which Nick together with the benefice council has identified as our way forward.

'His work over the last year has been an inspiration to many of us in the benefice.'