FORMER opera singer, the Rev Neill Archer will be installed as the new vicar of Malmesbury Abbey at a special ceremony on Tuesday evening.

The parish, which includes Brokenborough Church, has been without a vicar since the Rev David Littlefair retired last June after nine years.

Churchwarden Chris Jager said the congregation was looking forward to welcoming the new incumbent.

He said: "It has been a long interregnum and we are very much looking forward to giving the Rev Archer a proper welcome.

"I am sure he is going to do a very good job. He is enthusiastic, has a good sense of humour and he supports the same football team as me Leicester City."

Mr Archer, 42, has performed at world famous venues such as the Royal Opera House. He was ordained a priest in 1999.

The hour-long service will be led by the Bishop of Bristol, the Right Reverend Michael Hill, at the Abbey.