A new Church of England 'super' parish for the west of the Island came into being today.

The existing parishes of Patrick, German, St John's and Michael come together as one, with the Dean of Peel Cathedral Reverend Nigel Godfrey at the helm.

It's a streamlining operation which Bishop Robert Paterson says will reduce running costs.

The new combined parish has a single parochial church council replacing four separate ones and fewer admin staff.

The reorganisation stems from, the Bishop of Sodor and Man's wide-ranging recommendations for mission and ministry agreed by the governing synod of the diocese three years ago.

According to Bishop Robert the aim is smarter, lighter and more effective working - and reduced costs.

There are five churches within the four historic parishes and these will all jointly become parish churches.

Revd Nigel Godfrey says the change will free up local ministers to spend more time in their local communities - in his words, 'we want more than one or two priests running around churches just taking services'.