A NEWLY appointed Bishop has spoken of the "special place in her heart" her Poole church had for providing the foundation on her journey to clergy leadership.

The Venerable Jackie Searle, who spent the majority of many childhood years in Dorset, has been announced as the next Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter by 10 Downing Street.

After her family moved to Poole when she was 10 years old, Jackie secured a place at Talbot Heath School where she attended until the age of 18.

From there Jackie studied to become a teacher in London, but she still has friends and family in Poole.

While growing up in Dorset she attended Canford Magna Parish Church.

She went on to become one of the first women to be ordained as a priest when she was a curate in the capital, before serving in a variety of positions all over the country.

Jackie, who is currently an archdeacon, was announced as the next Bishop of Crediton earlier this week and she will be consecrated on September 27 at Southwark Cathedral.

While her religious journey has taken her down many paths, she told the Daily Echo that her grounding in Poole was vital.

"Canford Magna Parish Church was a place that encouraged everyone to think about what gifts they had.

"Talbot Heath school has a strong Christian presence and I was in the choir. "As I look back now that was helping to form me and a lot of the views I came to have.

"I think that helped on the journey to God's calling to leadership.

"That part of Dorset and particularly my church in Canford Magna has a special place in my heart for God's calling that started my journey."

Jackie was ordained in 1992 and she is moved to Devon for her new post from Gloucester.

On Wednesday she visited churches and schools in her new Diocese.

"It is a big responsibility as a Bishop, but I am really looking forward to it." she added.

"I would not be human if I wasn't a little nervous.

"I am very drawn to the Diocesan vision to deepen our prayer, make disciples and serve the people of Devon with joy.

"I look forward hugely to joining in, getting to know the churches, schools, chaplaincies and fresh expressions of the Diocese and all the communities they serve, and working collaboratively to share the love and grace of God.”