The Revd Dr Kevin Ellis has been appointed as the new Ministry Area Leader and priest for Conwy.

Dr Ellis has served the Diocese for more than ten years, and makes the move to be closer to healthcare services for his wife, Jennifer, who lives with multiple sclerosis.

The Bro Celynnin Ministry Area, which ranges from the centre of Conwy town to Tal-y-Bont in the Conwy Valley, will be covered by Dr Ellis, who brings experience leading ministeries in Bro Eleth on Anglesey and Bro Cybi in Holyhead.

He is currently the Ministry Area Leader in Bro Madryn, which serves the northern communities of the Llyn Peninsula.

Dr Ellis, who has learnt Welsh since moving to North Wales, often conducts services in what has become his second language.

Among recent efforts, he supported the Morfa Nefyn community to reopen St Mary’s Church in the village, following a decade 'without regular worship.'

Dr Ellis said: "I had expected to be in Bro Madryn for longer where we have begun to see the church grow.

"However, family circumstances dictated it is the right time to move.

"The reality is that much of the treatment for MS is more easily accessed on the east side of our diocese.

"Moving to Conwy will make access to those centres easier for Jennifer.

"For me personally, the opportunity to minister in a place where the roots of Christianity run deep is deeply attractive.

"I look forward to being in a new community and sharing who Jesus is with as many as possible.

"Responding to God's call demands certain things of us.

"It is sometimes unexpected.

"Jennifer and I welcome prayers as we prepare for a new season in our lives."

The appointment comes as part of the Diocese's ongoing efforts to strengthen ministries across North West Wales.