A 45-YEAR-OLD Yorkshireman is returning to his roots to take up the post of Rector of Fountains, near Ripon.

The Reverend Robert Sellers, father of three grown-up daughters, is expected to take over in the autumn, and will be responsible for an area which includes Kirkby Malzeard, Grewelthorpe, Mickley, Sawley, Winksley, Dallowgill, Aldfield and Studley Roger.

It also includes the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

Mr Sellers replaces Canon Tony Keddie, who retired a year ago.

Ordained a priest in 1993, Mr Sellers was a curate at Wotton St Mary's, Gloucestershire, before moving to Redruth, near Truro. He has been vicar of Devoran, near Truro, since 1998 where he is also the bishop's chaplain.

Yorkshire-born Mr Sellers began his theoligical studies at the College of the Resurrection, in Mirfield.