THE priest in charge of Holy Trinity Church, Bembridge is leaving for pastures north.

The Rev Dr Amanda Bloor has been appointed as the new Archdeacon of Cleveland by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

Amanda is currently also assistant director of ordinands in the Diocese of Portsmouth.

Ordained in 2004, she has previously served as chaplain and diocesan advisor in women’s ministry to the Bishop of Oxford, and as director of ordinands for Berkshire.

She undertook doctoral research in clergy wellbeing. She is also a chaplain to the Army Cadet Force.

Amanda is married to Mark and has two grown-up daughters.

The Rev Bloor said: “It will be a real wrench to leave the Diocese of Portsmouth, my parish and the director of ordinands’ team.

"I've made good friends and colleagues here and loved being part of the community in Bembridge.

"But I'm excited about the challenges ahead and responding to God's call to move to the Archdeaconry of Cleveland."

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “I very much look forward to welcoming Amanda to the Diocese of York and especially to her new ministry in the Archdeaconry of Cleveland. As well as her experience in a bishop's team, her research on clergy wellbeing stands her in good stead to support everyone whose work and calling is to serve others in Jesus' name.”

The Revd Dr Amanda Bloor said: “It will be a real wrench to leave the Diocese of Portsmouth, my parish and the Diocesan Director of Ordinands’ team. I've made good friends and colleagues here and loved being part of the community in Bembridge. But I'm excited about the challenges ahead and responding to God's call to move to the Archdeaconry of Cleveland.

The Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, said: "Amanda's appointment is great news for the Cleveland Archdeaconry and the Diocese of York.

"While with us in Bembridge, she has been an excellent parish priest and ably supported those, especially from the Isle of Wight, discerning a possible call to licensed or further ministry. We shall miss her and her gifts, and Mark as well."

Amanda will be collated as Archdeacon of Cleveland at Bishopthorpe Palace on April 22.