A former post office owner has retrained as a vicar and has taken up her first incumbent post in the Malvern Hills District.

Reverend Anne Potter was licensed as vicar by Bishop Graham Usher, Bishop of Dudley, and installed by Archdeacon Robert Jones, Archdeacon of Worcester, and will take up her post in Alfrick, Leigh and Bransford, Rushwick and Suckley.

Mrs Potter, who lives in Leigh, led her first service on March 29, in Suckley for Palm Sunday, and says she is enjoying her new role, and the community she now resides within.

She said: "I have really enjoyed it so far and I've had a wonderful welcome.

"My first service on Palm Sunday was very lovely, and it was great to see everybody come out and see me. I've always been a very community led person, and will continue to be so as a vicar.

"I've never been here before I arrived, but it is a beautiful place over-looking the Malvern Hills and I'm sure I will continue to enjoy it massively.

"Myself and my husband, Mike, are looking forward to our new life with the parish communities in this beautiful part of the country following our move across the River Severn from the banks of the Avon.

"We have had a really warm welcome for everyone here so far."

Before her appointment, Mrs Potter lived in the vale of Evesham, where she owned Offenham Post Office and Village Shop for eight years.

It was during this time that she trained as, and was ordained, as a priest and was licensed as an associate priest to the parishes of Aldington, Offenham and Bretforton.

Mrs Potter was licensed on March 24 at Leigh Church.