A FORMER Forest curate has crossed the border to become the new vicar of Chepstow.

Rev Philip Averay was officially licensed as the new vicar by the Bishop of Monmouth Rt Rev Richard Pain at a ceremony in St Mary’s parish church on Monday evening.

He is responsible for St Mary’s Church in the town centre and St Christopher’s in Bulwark.

Rev Averay was curate at Drybrook, Lydbrook and Ruardean and replaces Rev Christopher Blanchard who has retired after serving as vicar of Chepstow for some 18 years.

The congregation for the licensing ceremony included former parishioners from Drybrook, Lydbrook and Ruardean and the former vicar of Drybrook, Rev Nick Bromfield.

Rev Averay took up his new appointment at the beginning of September and has moved to Chepstow with his English springer spaniel Dunstan.

After the licensing ceremony, Rev Averay rang the church bell 12 times – traditionally that signifies how long the vicar will be in post.

Hymns were accompanied by the Chepstow Town Band conducted by Mr Brian Ellam.

Rev Averay said: “I’m delighted to be the new vicar and I’m looking forward to working with the community.

“I hope our church will also be a centre for the civic and community life of the parish.”