St Stephen's Church in Steeton has welcomed its first full time vicar in 30 years.

On Saturday afternoon the Reverend Martyn Pinnock was formally instituted and inducted by the Bishop of Bradford and the Archdeacon of Craven in a service at the church.

The former Royal Navy officer, who fought in the Falklands War, spoke of his excitement in taking up the post at Steeton.

He said: "I am delighted to be coming to Steeton. Together we'll have some exploring to do as they haven't had a full-time priest for 30 years."

Rev Pinnock, 55, and his wife Dottie, who have two grown up sons, Duncan and Nick, are both keen singers and the couple are looking forward to getting involved in choral singing.

He added: "I was certainly interested to see the signs that say 'Steeton: Home of the Steeton Male Voice Choir'."

Rev Pinnock began his career as a pilot in the Royal Navy and later became an air traffic controller, serving on board ship during the Falklands War.

He ended his naval career as a Lieutenant Commander and was headhunted by Plessey Radar, becoming their UK Sales Manager and then Sales Executive for North America.

He trained for the ministry in 1993 at Lincoln Theological College and was ordained in Winchester Cathedral the same year.

After serving his curacy in St Mary's, Fordingbridge, at the edge of the New Forest, he became vicar of St Minver in the Diocese of Truro. Four years later he moved to the USA and became priest in charge of Christ Episcopal Church, Luray, Virginia.

Picture: The Rev Martyn Pinnock, right, vicar at St Stephen's Church, Steeton, after his induction by the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David Smith. With them are the Archdeacon of Craven, the Ven Malcolm Grundy, left and the Rev Robin Figg, vicar of Kildwick and patron of the parish of Steeton.