PRINCES Risborough Baptist Church welcomed its 28th minister in its 303 year history.

Richard Allwood took up his post at an induction service on January 22 which was led by David Nash, who has been moderator of the church, since the previous minister, Adrian Redfearn left last Easter.

There were more than 150 people in the congregation including representatives from Crofton Baptist Church and other churches in the area.

Geoff Colmer, senior minister of the Central Baptist Association, conducted the induction and John Lockley, senior minister at Bushey Baptist Church , preached the message.

Val Pyper, minister at Little Kimble Free Church, welcomed him on behalf of Churches Together at Risborough as did mayor Alan Turner on behalf of the town. Richard and Julie Allwood are from Hull but recently lived in Orpington , Kent where Richard has been the Minister of Crofton Baptist Church for the past seven years.

Rev. and Mrs. Allwood look forward to working closely with the leaders of the other churches in the town and to getting to know the people of Princes Risborough and surrounding area.