Rev Paul Martin, minster at West Ardsley and Hanging Heaton, said he was excited to be joining the churches as he began his two year probationary period.

He said: "I've been made to feel very welcome. There were a lot of people there. I was well supported from my home circuit as well which is Bradford Great Horton. It was a very good start."

He said his first priority would be to learn about the two communities and the churches' involvement there.

He said: "I know they do mums and tots at the church and the scouting groups are there and obviously I want to be involved in what's happening at the church. I want to see how it can be a resource to the community as well.

"I'd like eventually to get involved with some of the local schools. I did a placement at Leeds prison and I might like to some more of that too."

A former chemical engineer and primary school teacher, 51-year-old Rev Martin said it was his own children that led him to the church 12 years ago.

He said: "I felt this calling as I started to support my children when they went to Brownies and Scouts by going to church and parade services and then one thing led to another.

"Through my life I've had a number of different jobs and experiences all of which have given me various skills which are helpful for ministry. It's really about caring for people."