A VICAR convicted of his second drink-driving offence in February is promised a warm welcome when he returns to the ministry on Sunday.

The Rev John Streeting will be conducting Palm Sunday services at Holy Trinity Church, Sheerness, at 8am and 9.45am.

Mr Streeting was banned from driving for three years by Sittingbourne magistrates.

It was his second alcohol-related offence in two years, and followed his arrest in Marine Parade, Sheerness in December, when a test revealed 54 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35. Mr Streeting has been off work following his arrest and conviction.

The Archbishop of Maidstone,, the Ven Philip Down, said: “It is good news that John is now well enough to return to work.

“Everyone has learned from this unhappy experience and John will have the close support of his churchwardens and myself as he resumes his ministry.

“I know he returns with the support and prayers of the bishop and many people in the parish. We are looking forward to this new start and to seeing the best of John’s God-given gifts and talents again.”