Priest takes up role at '˜empty' Weeton church

Len Goodier (Churchwarden) Cllr John Singleton (Mayor of Fylde) the Rev Ivan Walters (Priest in Charge) Geraldine Singleton MBE (Mayoress of Fylde) Glenys Crossley (Churchwarden) the Venerable Michael Everitt (Archdeacon of Lancaster)

St Michael’s Church, on Church Road, stood without a permanent vicar or priest for around four years.

Now new reverand Ivan Walters has agreed to take up the role after feeling a spiritual connection with the village following a visit in January.

He said: “In January this year I was asked to go to St Michael’s. They had been without a vicar for nearly four years. I felt as though I was actually called to be there, as if this was going to be my spiritual home.

“It was only in June that I discussed it with the church wardens who agreed to discuss it with the Archdeacon.

“I will be take over all the services at Weeton St Michael’s; also I’m going into the school every week to do their assembly on a Monday.”

Reverand Walters was welcomed into his new church on Sunday by the Mayor of Fylde John Singleton, Mayoress Geraldine Singleton MBE, church wardens Len Goodlier and Glenys Crossley, and the Archdeacon of Lancaster Michael Everitt.