CHurch-goers have welcomed the promotion of their priest, describing it as a credit to their parish.

The Rev Peter Turbitt, parish priest at St John Vianney Catholic Church, Wantage, for the past 12 years, has been appointed a canon of the Cathedral Chapter of Portsmouth.

Fr Turbitt has been Dean of the Vale of White Horse for the past five years, and previously served in parishes in Jersey and Hampshire.

He said: "It is a great honour and privilege for me and for our parish."

Judy Gibbons, a member of the church's choir, said: "Fr Peter is an extremely popular priest and we are very fortunate to have him with us. It is a great honour for the parish."