THE parish of Ringwood has celebrated the formation of the New Forest North Group Ministry.

Throughout last Saturday ceremonies took place at local churches for the benefice of Ringwood with Ellingham and Harbridge, and St Leonards and St Ives, as well as the Avon Valley Partnership.

Revd Matthew Trick was inducted as vicar and Rev Ian Whitham licensed as associate minister by the Bishop of Winchester, Rt Tim Dakin, at the Church of St Peter and Paul, Ringwood.

The visit from the Bishop was the first time he has come to the parish.

A congregation of more than 200 gathered for the ceremonies and Revd Trick said it was a very warm introduction to the area.

"It was a really exciting day for me, but also it was quite overwhelming to be welcomed by so many people.

"It's a very different church to the one I have come from in Cambridge.

"We will be working together as a group of churches and looking to support the community.

"In my previous role I worked closely with families and that is always going to part of my work here in the ministry and is going to be important.

"My excitement is largely about being able to meet as many local people as possible and sharing experiences with them.

"I'm hoping the church can be the centre of the community."

The new benefice is responsible for six churches in the Ringwood parish.

Last Saturday's celebrations were also attended by local MP Sir Desmond Swayne and Archdeacon of Bournemouth, Revd Dr Peter Roach.

Associate minister Rev Ian Whitham, who worked in the building industry before joining the ministry, said looking back on regular trips passed the church on the A31 he could have never imagined being licensed as a minister.

"It was a really great occasion to see family and friends as well as new faces.

"I come from Bournemouth and in my former job I would drive along the main road and see the church boards they used to put up with the quotes.

"I started in the ministry near London and have gradually been edging back down south.

"Now I'm part of the benefice here and I am really looking forward to working within the community to share a positive Christian message to the area in both a spiritual and practical way."