Parishioners in four villages who have been without a rector since January are getting ready to welcome a new priest in charge.

Barham, Bishopsbourne, Kingston and Womenswold have been without a rector since the Rev David Roper moved.

The new priest in charge for the Barham Downs group is to be the Rev Stephen Hardy.

For 20 years he worked in graphic design as an artist, studio manager and director of a printing company.

Ordained in 1997, he served as a curate in Marden, near Maidstone, becoming priest in charge of Lydd at Christmas, 2000.

Mr Hardy describes his leisure interests as history, archaeology and visiting Israel.

“My initial aim is to get to know the people both within and beyond the church, to build strong relationships, to help people find a faith that is relevant and work with the churches in building the kingdom of God in our communities,” he said.

His wife Lesley, trained as a teacher. She and Mr Hardy were married in 1984 and have two children, Tom, a graphic designer, and Beth, a riding instructor. Both live in London.

Mr Hardy will be licensed on January 29, 2009.