Matthew Parker has been inducted as Archdeacon of Stoke on Trent and installed as an honorary canon.
He succeeds the Venerable Godfrey Stone, having been rector of Leek since 2000.
His service of induction was attended by around 400 people, including the Vice Lord Lieutenant and representatives of local government, the prison service, schools and voluntary groups as well as many members of local churches.
Other guests included the Susie Lillingston, High Sheriff of Staffordshire and Heather Bellamy, director of Cross Rhythms Radio in Stoke.
Mr Parker was born in Manchester and grew up in Middlesex. He moved with his wife Sarah and three children to his new base in Newcastle-under-Lyme in August.
