The new chaplain at a Llandudno private school who felt a calling to priesthood at just aged four has outlined his ambitions.

Reverend Sam Erlandson, who stepped as Aberconwy Mission Area leader last in October after three years, has taken over from Rev Tim Hall who left the role two years ago after serving St David's College in Llandudno for an extraordinary 50 years.

Reverend Sam, who is a fan of Wrexham Football Club (he commented - "way before Ryan Reynolds bought it!") and has four children and wife Karen, has quickly settled into his new role and has thanked Rev Tim for his "support and guidance".

"I taught at a local primary school, specialising in music and science, and more recently I was a Parish Priest so I thought I could combine the two, and when the opportunity came up at St David’s, I had to go for it," Rev Sam said. 

"I’m hoping to guide the pupils, staff and the Old Davidean Association to explore the Christian faith if they’d like to. I’d like to guide it gently.

"There are some big plans regarding the chaplaincy that are going to open up a range of activities and initiatives where pupils, families, staff, and Old Davidians will be given opportunities to engage with that element of something which is beyond themselves. Above all, I want the chaplaincy department to be something which enhances the care and overall experience of the St David's pupil, whether they believe in God or not."

Rev Sam, who is originally from Ruabon, in Wrexham, said he was about four or five when he felt a calling to become a priest.

"I was at church with my parents, and I just thought the priest taking the service was charismatic and inspirational and I knew I wanted to do what he did," he said.

"I used to play the organ at Bangor Cathedral during the choir practices, and I realised I felt a calling and went to speak to the Dean of the Cathedral, and he said he’d been waiting for me to come and talk to him."

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Rev Sam said he has been "amazed" by the "love and humanity" that he has seen around the school, and how the pupils look out for each other.

He added: "The chaplaincy area is going to be brought alive again during break times.

"Sei and I will be running activities, and if anyone wants to come for a chat we will be there-it will be a safe space for pupils to come, even if they just want to make a hot chocolate and have some time out.

"They don’t have to come for a purpose, they can just be. We can even help with homework."