CHURCHES in Lickey and Blackwell are hoping a new recruit will help bring the community together.

Lickey parish, which is made up of Holy Trinity, based in Lickey, and St Catherine's Church, Blackwell, has taken on The Rev Paul Clarke as a community minister.

His role is to open the churches beyond their walls and develop relationships within the communities around them.

Margaret Brighton, minister at Holy Trinity and St. Catherine’s said: “Paul will be seeking to enhance the community spirit of Lickey and Blackwell, as a bridge between church and community. This is not a new work we are doing but rather we are seeking to redefine the place of the church in the community. Paul will be engaging in new and exciting initiatives and we are delighted to have him as part of our local team.”

Mr Clarke joins the parish from The Pavilion Christian Community in Bournville, where he was pastor for 10 years. Prior to working as a church minister he worked for Cadbury for 21 years in a sales and marketing role.

He said: “ My first task is to listen. Lots of people have been at work in the area establishing community life, so first I want to learn what is working and what the community still needs. I look forward to working with you all. Please feel free to contact me with any ideas.”

He can be contacted by email at Pastorclarke@gmail.com or through the parish office at The Trinity Centre, Rose Hill, Lickey.