THE new vicar of Malton and Old Malton is returning to his roots.

The Reverend Peter Robinson was born in Helmsley and grew up in North Yorkshire where his father was a vicar.

He originally went into teaching and was a physical education and music teacher and a deputy head teacher in Mansfield, before joining the ministry 26 years ago.

Rev Robinson spent five years in the Southwell Diocese before moving to the Isle of Man in 1992 where he was vicar of Ramsey, later becoming diocesan director of ordinands for the Diocese of Chester and later priest-in-charge at Aldeborough.

He returned to the Isle of Man in 2005 where he was an incumbent and rural dean in the south of the island, before his appointment as Bishop’s chaplain and canon precentor of St German’s Cathedral, Peel.

Rev Robinson said he was delighted to be moving back to his home county, where he will be vicar of the new benefice St Michael’s Church, in Malton, and St Mary’s Priory, Old Malton.

“I am more than happy to be back where my roots are and the job itself was very attractive to me as it was something I was looking for at my stage of life,” he said.

“I also enjoy a challenge and I will be bringing together two churches for the first time, which is what I did at my last ministry.”

Rev Robinson is married to Rosi, a teacher and artist, and the couple have a daughter, Jenny, two sons, Tim and Andy, and five grandchildren.

A keen sportsman, Rev Robinson enjoys jogging, watercolour painting, music and reading.

Rev Robinson started his ministry with a special service at St Mary’s Priory, Old Malton, led by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.

“I have had a great welcome in the town and I am looking forward to meeting everyone and starting in my new role,” he said.