The new vicar for Kesgrave has described his appointment as a "last hurrah" while gearing up to work within an "amazing community."

Reverend Andrew Dotchin, 68, said his first full week in charge of All Saint's Kesgrave last week was "extremely busy."

Rev Dotchin was previously the priest-in-charge at St John's Church in Felixstowe, before taking up the role at All Saint's Kesgrave, which is part of the Benefice of Kesgrave, Little Bealings, and Playford.

Reverend Andrew Dotchin has taken over as head of All Saint's Church in Kesgrave after nine years in FelixstoweReverend Andrew Dotchin has taken over as head of All Saint's Church in Kesgrave after nine years in Felixstowe (Image: Google)

The 68-year-old said: "It is an immense privilege to appointed and just before Christmas. What a time to come here.

"I've been doing this vicarage business for almost 40 years and now I am year off retiring.

"This is my last hurrah, one last thing before I start winding down a bit, although my wife doesn't believe me on that."

Rev Dotchin previously said that he wanted to be a cheerleader for the parish, that includes All Saint's KesgraveRev Dotchin previously said that he wanted to be a cheerleader for the parish, that includes All Saint's Kesgrave (Image: Andrew Dotchin)Rev Dotchin's appointment is set to last for two years before he retires, and in that time the church will search for a new full time priest.

The parish has been without a priest in charge for the past several months and has a turbulent few years culminating over a row in regards to a community cafe in Little Bealings church.

But by installing one of Suffolk's most high profile clergymen, the parish should be set for a brighter future.

Little Bealing's church was at the centre of a fierce debate earlier in the yearLittle Bealing's church was at the centre of a fierce debate earlier in the year (Image: Paul Geater) Rev Dochin said: "It's been interesting, last week was my first full week here, at the start of the week I had scheduled 17 meetings, by the end of it, that was up to 22.

"I am really looking forward to engaging with the amazing community, especially with young people.

"We want to build something that is stable, will go on for years to come and that people will say "We like to be in Kesgrave because we have three places in our area where we can look to and find help there and be met with open arms and welcoming smiles."