A church in Whitton finally has a permanent vicar after two-and-a-half years of waiting.

Reverend David Cloake was welcomed into St Philip and St James Church on Wednesday, September 14.

The Bishop of Kensington welcomed the former Aylesbury resident into the church, with 250 people in attendance.

Mr Cloake moved to Whitton in August with his wife Joanna and four-year-old twin daughters Jessica and Rebekah.

Reverend Vernon Fray has been standing in for the past two years, with extra support from church wardens.

Church warden Wendy Wickstone said: “It has been hard work for the church wardens because we are responsible for the church. However, the parish has been helpful and we have got together and managed to carry on.”

Following the ceremony, which many of Mr Cloake’s family and friends from Aylesbury attended, there was a reception at the Whitton Baptist Church.

David Cloake said: “I am very excited about starting and really looking forward to it. I have had five weeks off, so I’m champing at the bit to get back to work.”

Mr Cloake wanted to work somewhere with a great community spirit that would keep him busy.

He said: “Whitton seemed the place I would happy. It seemed to be right in the middle of things.”

Wednesday was not only a big day for Mr Cloake, but also for his daughters, who started their first day at Chase Bridge Primary School.