Hundreds of supporters cheered and applauded as a vicar was welcomed to his new church.

Reverend Mark Dearnley, 57, was formally instituted as the vicar of St Peter’s Church, in St Albans, on September 10. The special service was led by the Bishop of St Albans, the Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith.

The new reverend, who has recently moved in to St Peter's Church Vicarage, has a passion for anything with two wheels as he enjoys cycling and riding his 26-year-old motorbike in his spare time.

As he spoke from the balcony to the guests, Reverend Dearnley said: “I am excited by the prospect of the new opportunities that St Peter’s represents and look forward to getting to know better the church family and St Albans community.”

As the vicar of St Peter’s church is decided by The Crown, the letter of patent from The Queen was read by Marion Brown, deputy lieutenant of Hertfordshire and Crown Representative.

The Archdeacon of St Albans, the Venerable Jonathan Smith, lead the vicar to the main door to receive the keys of the church and then back to the toll of the church bell as a public sign of the start of his ministry.

Reverend Dearnley has been a priest for 28 years, where he spent the last 14 years at St Mary’s, in Wendover. He and his wife Ruth have two children who are studying at university.