A CLERGYMAN makes his official return to a former stamping ground when he is installed at a city centre church, on Saturday.

The Institution and Induction of Arun Arora as Vicar of St Nicholas Parish, in Durham, takes place at the Market Place church of the same name, at 4pm.

It marks a comeback to the city for the Reverend Arora, a decade after training for ordained ministry at Cranmer Hall, in St John’s College, of Durham University.

During that period he spent time “learning his trade”, working at the church and with the widely diverse congregation at what is commonly called ‘St Nic’s’.

He returns to Durham after recently working as communications director for the National Institutions of the Church of England.

Announcing the appointment, the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Paul Butler, said: he was “delighted” to welcome him back to the diocese.

“It’s been my privilege to work closely with Arun in his current national role.

“He will bring great gifts to St Nic’s for the next phase of its life at the heart of Durham city centre.

“He and his family will be welcomed very warmly into this new role.”

On learning of his appointment, an eager Rev Arora said: “I’m excited and thrilled at the thought of working at St Nic’s and returning to the North-East.

“During my training I benefited from the faithful witness, blessing and work of the congregation at St Nic’s.

“I’m relishing the opportunities of ministering in a city centre church once more and living out the love of Jesus to those in the Market Place and a growing student community.”

He succeeds previous incumbent The Reverend Dr Stephen Bellamy, who took up a post in the diocese of Oxford, last summer.

Saturday’s service is expected to be well attended.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to contact the church office, on 0191-384 1180.