AFTER almost 18 months, the post of vicar of Corbridge has been filled.

Rev. David Kennedy swapped Durham Cathedral for the village’s St Andrew’s Church to fill the vacancy which had existed since Rev. David Hewlett retired back in May 2017.

It was standing room only as the parishioners of Corbridge St Andrew, Halton and Newton Hall turned out in force to welcome their new vicar during a service for the institution, induction and installation of Rev. Kennedy, conducted by the Bishop of Berwick, Rt Rev. Mark Tanner, and the Archdeacon of Lindisfarne, Peter Robinson.

Prior to moving to the Tyne Valley, Mr Kennedy served as the vice-dean of Durham Cathedral and canon precentor.

He said: “Durham Cathedral is such a beautiful, historic building and it was very exciting to be part of it, but I felt very strongly that I wanted to return as a parish priest and the opportunity arose to come to Corbridge.

“Of course, St Andrew’s, which dates back to 676, is even older than Durham Cathedral of 995 so I will be going further back to the Christian origins of Northumbria and the Northern saints.

“There is a choral tradition within the parish and the church is in the middle of the community, so it has its similarities with the ministry I have been serving in Durham.

“We have known Corbridge for many years, but to come here to work and live is a fantastic opportunity, and it is very clear to me that it is a vibrant community.”

Mr Kennedy said he was delighted that up to 400 people attended his induction evening, and he looked forward to working with his new parishioners.