A new priest was welcomed into the fold of St Olave Church with a service and party at the church hall.

Father Robert Wright will now be the priest-in-charge at St Olave in Church Walk, Mitcham after the event on Sunday, January 19.

Up to 150 members of the congregation plus invited guests got together for the full Eucharist service that was followed by a party in the church hall.

People from several other neighbouring churches were present, and the new priest was welcomed by the Deputy Mayor for Merton, councillor John Sargeant, Siobhain McDonagh MP and coun David Chung, as well as by church representatives.