THE Bishop of Leeds is pleased to announce that The Revd Alex Crawford currently Assistant curate at St Helen Low Fell and the parish of Bensham and Teams (St Chad’s Church) in the Diocese of Durham, has been appointed as Incumbent of St Margaret’s Ilkley in the Bradford Episcopal Area.

The date of the licensing will be announced in due course.

Prior to ordination, Fr Alex read Theology at University College, Durham, and worked at Durham Cathedral for four years as the Liturgical Assistant.

He trained for ordained ministry at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, before serving his title at two churches in Gateshead.

Fr Alex is married to Natalie, and they have five children who are very excited to meet everyone: Joscelyn (eight), Evelyn (six), Madeleine (four), George (two), and Amelia (five months).

Fr Alex says: “I am humbled and delighted to have been called to serve your wonderful parish at St Margaret’s.

“From the moment I saw the parish brochure, I felt that this is where I needed to be.

“I am incredibly grateful that the Holy Spirit and the interview panel both felt likewise!

“Natalie and I are looking forward to making a return to West Yorkshire, and getting to know the parish and community really well. You are all in my prayers as we await the move.”