A NEW vicar has been appointed for Thornbury, three months after the alleged murder of the Rev John Suddards at his home.

The Rev Dr Jan van der Lely will take over the parish of Thornbury, Oldbury and Shepperdine and hopes to begin her duties in September.

She will replace Mr Suddards, who was found by builders stabbed to death at his vicarage on February 14, as spiritual leader of St Mary's, St Paul's, St Arilda's and Shepperdine Chapel.

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Rev Michael Perham, announced the appointment on Sunday, May 13.

Dr van der Lely said she was looking forward to meeting the community and working with a congregation still in mourning.

"It is a great honour to be called to serve as vicar at Thornbury, Oldbury and Shepperdine, especially following the recent tragic events.

"It is a testament to the people's courage and resilience, and to their hope and trust in God, that they have appointed their new vicar so soon."

She added: "I am very much looking forward to living and working with them, and to getting to know the local community."

Dr van der Lely is currently assistant curate in Cirencester, where she has worked since being ordained in 2009.

She taught religious education in Cheltenham and Gloucester and Switzerland before becoming a priest three years ago.

Bishop Michael, who led Mr Suddards' funeral service on March 31 and had inducted him in July 2011, said: "I am glad that Bishop, patron and parish representatives were all agreed that Jan van der Lely would bring the right qualities to the post of vicar of Thornbury, Oldbury and Shepperdine.

"Her experience before and since ordination will both be a resource to her as she leads the benefice into a new phase."

The vicar will move to Thornbury with her husband Graham, two sons Will and Tim, two border collies and two cats, when she takes on her new role in September.

Around 450 people attended Mr Suddards’ funeral including friends, clergy and churchgoers, together with members of the priest’s former parish of Witham, who had come from Essex to celebrate the man whose life had touched and inspired so many.

The clergyman was buried in Dorset alongside his parents.

* Stephen Farrow, 47 of no fixed address, has been charged with the murders of Mr Suddards and Worcestershire pensioner Betty Yates. He is next due to appear at Bristol Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on June 29.