A NEWLY ordained priest has joined a Chingford church as curate.

The Reverend Alex Summers will assist the Rev Claire Wilson and the Rev Tom Page at the parish of SS Peter and Paul.

The father-of-four trained for two years at Wescott House in Cambridge and has recently moved to Chingford with his wife, Rachel, to replace the former curate who left the parish a year ago.

The former teacher said: “It is a big leap for me and my family, but I have been enjoying it already.

“It has been brilliant. Everyone has been so welcoming. And Rev Tom Page will be be showing me the ropes, so I'm glad my training will continue with him.”

The Rev Summers grew up in Surrey and studied at the University of Leicester where he met his wife.

He trained as a teacher and, before beginning his ordination training, taught at Milton Hall Primary School at Westcliff-on-Sea.

Next month, the Rev Wilson will be leaving the parish of SS Peter and Paul after more than 10 years.

She will be return to Hampstead, where her first ministry was, and plans to retire from paid ministry.