POPULAR former Kidderminster priest the Rev Canon Robert Jones had a rapturous welcome as he stepped up to become the new Archdeacon of Worcester.

Worcester Cathedral was packed with around 800 people as Bishop, the Rt Rev John Inge, installed him into his new role.

The new archdeacon, aged 59, spent most of his early years in Lapal, Halesowen – and he says it was in the church there that he was inspired to go into the priesthood.

Archdeacon Robert, who began his career as a curate in Kidderminster after being ordained in 1980, described it as a “very moving” service, where he spotted many “friendly faces” he had known through more than 30 years.

After spending four years at Holy Innocents, St John’s and St Peter’s in Kidderminster, he served as vicar of St Francis in Dudley for eight years and then as rector of St Barnabas with Christ Church, Worcester, for 14 years.

He has most recently been the director of development, heading up the team responsible for clergy and lay training across the diocese.

Among his achievements was setting up the popular “Authorised Lay Minister” programme, which has trained over 300 people.

Bishop John said: “No-one knows the diocese better than Robert, few have ministered in it as long or love it as much.

“One of Robert’s best qualities is a love of God and a love of people – he is a priest through and through.

“In his new role, he will have a wide brief and I know he will care for churches in the Worcester Archdeaconry with great love and diligence."

Archdeacon Robert said; “It was a very moving service and I was overwhelmed by the warmth and presence of so many people.

“There were lots of friendly faces who have been part of my story all the way along and it was a wonderfully affirming start to this next part of my ministry.”

He moved into the Worcester Diocese from Birmingham when he was young and was confirmed in St John’s, Halesowen in 1966.

He studied languages at university before he trained for ordination at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxfordshire, and, as a fluent German speaker, is very involved in the diocesan partnership with Magdeburg and the Church of England’s Meissen Agreement with the German Protestant Church.

In his spare time Robert enjoys the “odd pint of beer”, walking, singing in a choir and music-making.