A NEW Minister has been appointed to serve United Reformed Churches in Otley and Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Reverend Jason McCullagh was formally inducted as Minister of Otley's Bridge Church and the Salem Church in Burley on Saturday.

A large congregation of members and friends from both churches attended, along with representatives from Morecambe and Scarborough, where the Rev McCullagh previously ministered.

The Yorkshire Synod Moderator, the Rev Kevin Watson, also helped the churches celebrate the end of a three-year period without a Minister.

The sermon at the induction in Otley was given by Rev Geoffrey Clarke and the service concluded with the sacrament of Holy communion.

The congregation enjoyed an afternoon tea in the church hall afterwards.

Planned by Bridge Church secretary, Susan Richardson, the event was proclaimed a huge success.