The congregation at Aylsham parish church will be welcoming a new face after Easter.

The Rev Andrew Beane, who has been rector of Spixworth, Crostwick and St Faiths since November 2005, said he will be moving to Aylsham and will be responsible for the running of the parish from May.

The married father-of-one said: 'I announced in my churches on Sunday that the Bishop of Lynn had offered me the post of Priest-in-Charge of St Michael's and All Angels Parish Church Aylsham. We will not be moving until the end of April and my induction service is not until May 10.

'So currently I am still very much the rector of St Faiths, Spixworth and Crostwick, and we have lots of events over the next few months including our snowdrop walk, pancake lunches, Mothering Sunday, community garage sale and of course celebrating Easter.

'Before I leave we will have a special service to mark the end of my ministry here and to celebrate all the wonderful things that we have been involved in.'

Mr Beane, who was born in Grimston and grew up in King's Lynn, will replace the Rev Bob Branson, who was vicar of Aylsham for 20 years until his retirement last year.

Mr Beane has been a popular character in Spixworth, Crostwick and St Faiths since his arrival in the area seven years ago and has made great efforts to make the church more accesible to the wider community.

In 2007 Mr Beane hit the headlines when he dyed his hair after challenging his congregation to go Green for God.

It was part of the Creation Celebration Weekend held at St Peter's Church, Buxton Road, Spixworth, which encouraged people to do their bit for the environment and celebrate the beauty of creation.