A SPECIAL service to mark the start of the link between the churches in Fernhurst, Lynchmere and Camelsdale will be attended by the Bishop of Horsham at St Peter’s Church, Lynchmere on October 4 at 7.30pm.

The bishop will license Rev Nick Haigh, vicar of St Margaret’s Church, Fernhurst, as priest-in-charge of St Peter’s in Lynchmere and of St Paul’s in Camelsdale.

The process for creating a joint benefice of Fernhurst with Lynchmere and Camelsdale has also begun and once completed, Mr Haigh will become incumbent of the new joint benefice.

The decision to create a joint benefice followed the resignation of the Rev David Talks, vicar of Lynchmere and Camelsdale from Lynchmere, in September 2015, and discussions have involved Mr Haigh, senior diocesan staff, the churchwardens and the parochial church council.

Mr Haigh said: “I am looking forward to this new chapter in our parish lives together.”