Black Country church leader named

The Reverend Christopher Sims, vicar of Holy Cross Parish in Shrewsbury, is to become the new Archdeacon of Walsall.

He will take over in August from the Venerable Bob Jackson as the senior clergyman for deaneries across the Black Country.

Mr Jackson held the part-time post for five years. Under Mr Sims, the post will be full-time.

Mr Sims said he was excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead but was sad to be leaving Shropshire.

The Walsall Archdeaconry covers 111 churches across Trysull, Walsall, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.