RESIDENTS in Purfleet-on-Thames will give an official welcome to their new community chaplain this weekend.

The commissioning of Rev Erica Bowler will take place at 2pm on Saturday and will be followed by a community tea. The commissioning will take place by the Beacon on the open green space by the Thames off Tank Hill Road.

If wet the event will transfer to the nearby St Stephen's Church.

Erica says: "I have recently started working in Purfleet as a community chaplain. I am here to listen to and support anyone who lives/works in Purfleet. I am also here to listen to the needs of the whole community, to find out if there are any needs which are not being met which I might be able to help with.

"This Saturday I am being commissioned, and then there's a tea, and everyone is welcome to attend any part of this event. Please do come along and introduce yourself - I would love to meet you."