New Rector of Burton Latimer, the Rev Edward Pitt, has told his parishioners he will carry on along the same lines as his predecessor.

Referring to the Rev Derek Hole, who left the town in May, Mr Pitt (49) said: “It is difficult for any people’s expectations, especially if he has to succeed a priest who did a really good job.”

“I and my family are looking forward to coming to, and working in, Burton Latimer. We are sure everyone will understand that another priest is bound to have a different style, but the general pattern of things will be as it has been in the past.”