THE Rev Mary Hancock was licensed as priest-in charge of Sutton, Witcham, and Mepal at a service in St Andrew’s Church in Sutton on Monday evening.

The church was packed as the church and village communities turned out to welcome Mary to her new appointment.

The Bishop of Ely, the Rev Stephen Conway, licensed Mary during the moving service, which was followed by a celebration party.

After the service, Mary said: “I am very much looking forward to this new challenge; I am really looking forward to living in Sutton and working with the three communities, the schools, and everyone.”

Mary, a keen singer and walker, was first ordained in the Diocese of Ely in 2007, and has been serving as a curate in the Fen Orchard benefice that includes the villages of Emneth, Marshland St James, Elm, and Friday Bridge with Coldham.

Before becoming a priest, Mary had worked as an advisory entomologist with ADAS, the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service; working in the Cambridge area.

Mary replaces Rev Mark Amey, who was Vicar of the three parishes until January. She is due to move into the Vicarage in Sutton during the summer. She will conduct the morning service at Sutton church on Sunday morning at 10.30am.