A NEW vicar has been appointed at St Luke's Church in Walthamstow.

Chemical engineering graduate Rev Frances Shoesmith, 46, takes up the role after leaving her previous post as a minister in Liverpool.

Rev Shoesmith will also become one of two 'team vicars' for the parish of Walthamstow, which includes St Gabriel’s in Havant Road, St Mary’s in Church End, St Stephen’s in Copeland Road and St Luke’s, which is in the High Street.

Fellow team rector Simon Heathfield said: “The Bishop of Barking and I are delighted to be able to announce this appointment.

"Please pray for Frances and her husband, Steve, as they make plans to join us.”

She said: "From the moment I saw the job advert, I’ve been very excited about the prospect of leading St Luke’s as it pioneers a new way of being church, out in the High Street, as well as being part of the wider parish as it develops its mission and its ‘mixed economy’.

"Steve and I can’t wait to get started.”

Rev Shoesmith will be officially licensed by Bishop of Barking Rev David Hawkins on Sunday February 27 at 5.30pm in Selborne Walk Shopping Mall in Walthamstow.

Click here to follow the Waltham Forest Guardian on Twitter