The hills around Ilkley will be ringing out to the dulcet tones of the saxophone when the new vicar takes up residence.

Former teacher the Reverend Paul Tudge is a keen sax player, and hopes to put his musical skills to full use in his new job in the town.

Mr Tudge, 43, will take over at All Saints' Church, Ilkley, in May, moving from St James, Woodside, Horsforth.

When he's not playing his baritone sax, the former science teacher is a computer buff and he has set up his own Internet site to inform parishioners about the latest church news.

Rev Tudge said: "At Horsforth, I inherited a very small church. At Ilkley I'm inheriting a thriving church that will have different problems and different things to enjoy. I'm really looking forward to working with a good team of clergy and lay readers. There is plenty of work to be done by a new vicar reach to out to a new community but I'm looking forward to meeting new folk."

Rev Tudge is married to Rosie and has four children Luke, 16, Ruth, 15, Simon, 11, and Iona, aged one.

Iona was born with Edward's Syndrome, a rare life-threatening chromosomal disorder, which means she develops much slower than other children. But Rev Tudge says that bringing up Iona has been a rewarding experience that has helped strengthen his faith.

He said: "She's a lovely little girl. She has made us live much more day by day and appreciate that everybody has got a lot to offer. God loves us for what we are and not because we are good at something and she helps us to put our own problems into perspective."

You can access Rev Tudge's website at www.st.james.mcmail.com.

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