DAWLISH and Kingsteignton have welcomed a new United Reformed Church minister from the US.

Revd. Jessica Ashcroft-Townsley has moved across the pond from her home in Baltimore, Maryland, to make her new home in Kingsteignton.

Just a few weeks into her ministry, Jessica has taken her first service at the Strand Centre in Dawlish.

Part of the Teign and Bay Pastorate, the 41-year-old works as a member of the South West Synod of United Reformed Churches.

She said: ‘I’m really looking forward to working here and finding ways of communicating with the community.

‘I will be spending time in both Dawlish and Kingsteignton, preaching and talking to people if they need someone.

‘We want to make our presence more known in Kingsteignton as the church may be missed by the community there.’

She has been a minister for 10 years and was ordained three years ago.

She moved to the UK after meeting her wife Donna, who is from Plymouth.

Having struck up a friendship, they met when Jessica came for a visit for a church event.

The couple, who married two years ago, are now living in Kingsteignton with their two children Weston, 13, and Maddie, 10.

Having moved in just a few weeks ago, Jessica and her family are finding their way around the area and meeting members of both congregations.