A former primary school teacher and finance worker has been installed as the new rector of the Chet Valley Benefice covering five parishes across south Norfolk.

The Rev David Owen was inducted as rector of Loddon with Hales and Heckingham, Chedgrave, Hardley, Langley and Sisland, as well as vicar of Loddon at the start of the month at the Holy Trinity Church in Loddon.

Mr Owen, who is married and has one son, previously held the post in Pershore and then Droitwich, both in Worcestershire, but said he is pleased to have arrived in Norfolk in time for the Easter celebrations.

The 58-year-old said: 'One of the things that attracted me to the Chet Valley was that it is a community made up of five parishes and it was an opportunity to come to East Anglia and work with a varied selection of people in a wonderful way.

'We are an ecumenical group of people and we have a close working relationship with the Methodist Church.

'One of my strengths is being able to relate to people which I think is important because it is always a period of new beginnings when a new rector is installed.

'I am pleased I arrived before Easter because it is a great opportunity to tell people about the story of Jesus, his crucifixion and resurrection.'

Mr Owen previously worked in the finance industry for 20 years, and after leaving the building society he worked for he retrained as a primary school teacher. He spent a few years in the classroom, before moving on to train for ordained ministry.

Mr Owen was born in Chester and after leaving school went to Durham to study at university.

He and his wife Nina have now moved into the vicarage in the Market Place at Loddon.

He said: 'My wife and I are settling in well and people have been extremely friendly.

'We are looking forward to meeting the rest of the community.'

Have you got a story from Loddon or the surrounding villages? Email amy.smith@archant.co.uk