A parish in Weymouth has finally appointed a new rector.

The parish of Wyke Regis, All Saints Church with St Edmund has been in a period of interregnum - the time between the departure of the former rector and the appointment of a new one.

However, after more than six months, a new rector has been found.

Revd Alasdair Kay has been announced as the rector of the combined parish of Wyke Regis, All Saints with St Edmund.

Gary Hepburn, Churchwarden of All Saints Church said: “On behalf of all of the churchwardens of the parish I am pleased to be able to publish the following announcement from the Bishop of Sherborne:

“We are pleased to announce that the Patron, the Dean and Chapter of Salisbury Cathedral, and the Bishop of Sherborne have appointed the Alasdair Kay as Rector of Wyke Regis.

“Alasdair, or Ally as he is known, was ordained in 2014 when he was CEO of Derby City Mission, he is currently Priest in Charge of St Francis, Derby.

“Ally brings much experience and gifts to the post, including evangelism, social justice and outreach.

“We believe Ally to be the right fit for us here and in the deanery and we are looking forward to welcoming him and his wife Nicky sometime over the summer and to a licensing in September.

“Bishop Karen wishes to thank all those who were involved in the appointment process.”

He added: “Ally will become the 56th Rector of Wyke Regis since records began with Nicholas Lungspe in 1263, and the second rector of the combined parish of Wyke Regis All Saints with St Edmund.

“It is still some months before Ally and Nicky will join us but a decision has been made and we can now look forward and plan for the future.

“The churchwardens would like to thank everyone who helped with the appointment process in any way and for everybody's support during the interregnum and the period before hand when Deb our previous rector was unwell. We hope that support continues until Ally arrives and in the months and years ahead he will spend with us.”