A new pastor has joined a growing congregation in Witham.

Bethel Christian Fellowship, which meets at Maltings Academy, welcomed Chris Taylor into the position at a special introductory service on Saturday.

Construction support manager Mr Taylor, who will lead the Pentecostal church with his wife Suzy following a handover from previous pastor Gordon Crick, said he felt both excitement and a weight of responsibility at taking on the role.

"Having the period of transition from Gordon to myself ensured there was a good handover for the church," he said.

"We spent much time working as a team to achieve this goal and now we look forward to a new season as a church.”

Witham Town Mayor Tom Pleasance attended the special service at the school along with a selection of guests.

Mr Crick said he was delighted to hand the baton over to Mr Taylor.

"We try to be led by the Spirit of God in all we do at Bethel, and I look forward to moving into a new phase of life and experience of God’s love in the Fellowship, as I move from a position of responsibility, to simply being one of the team," he said.

A hog roast was held for Mr Crick’s farewell service on Sunday for all the church to stay for and enjoy