GROUND-BREAKING ideas look set to stir congregations at Chedworth.

New vicar the Rev Stephen Goundrey-Smith says he has some surprises in store for the hill and valley villages.

The Priest-in-Charge of Chedworth, Yanworth, with Stowell and Coln St Denys with Coln Rogers, said: "As well as regular services, I have pioneered a range of special events and services to bring God's message of love in Jesus Christ to as many people as possible.

"I have an interest in music and the use of new media in worship."

The 43-year-old, who takes over from the Rev Canon George Mitchell, has served parishes in Norfolk and Northamptonshire.

He grew up in Banbury, Oxfordshire, and qualified as a pharmacist, working in a hospital and in the international pharmaceutical industry.

He was ordained 11 years ago and has combined his ministry with running a business in pharmaceutical industry marketing, medical writing and pharmacy IT. He added: "I first visited Chedworth when I was 13 – little did I know I would be coming there to be the vicar 30 years later."