We are pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev Keith Freeman as the new vicar of St James, Burnopfield.

Fr Keith, currently team rector at All Saints Church, Castleford, West Yorkshire, has been appointed to the new benefice of Harelaw, Annfield Plain, Burnopfield and Dipton, subject to the usual checks being satisfactory.

He will be licensed to the benefice in St James Church, Burnopfield, on Saturday, July 5, at a time to be confirmed.

The new benefice is part of the Lanchester Deanery re-organisation and is part of the Derwentside East Group.