A Chedgrave man has been appointed the new archdeacon of East Riding, more than 30 years after finding faith at his parish church.

But there is one drawback for Norwich City fan, the Rev Canon Andy Broom - the new position means it will be further to travel to away matches.

Canon Broom, 49, who left Chedgrave to read geography and politics at Keele University, trained for ordination at Trinity College in Bristol.

He then served his curacy in Telford and went on to become curate in charge at a church in Chesterfield, before becoming director of mission and ministry in Derby Diocese in 2009.

Canon Broom said he was “delighted” with the invitation to become archdeacon, a role he takes over on October 6.

“I am feeling excited about the opportunities and the new challenges a role like this brings,” he said.

“The area has many similarities to Norfolk, it’s on the east coast, the landscape is similar, it’s a rural area. I feel there is a lot of my own upbringing and background I can bring to my new role.”

His only regret is the new role means a move to Beverley, making it further to travel to Norwich City away games.

“There is a group of eight of us, who are all from Norfolk and travel to away games together,” said Canon Broom.

“I am a big fan and I’m coming back for the first home game of the season.”

Married with two grown-up children, Canon Broom said he didn’t come from a religious family, but got involved with All Saints in Chedgrave after a young couple moved to the village and started a youth club there.

“Everything I have done since stems back to that,” he said.

“I love Norfolk and I come back often, but who knows if I will move back there.”

His mother, Carol, said she was extremely proud of her son’s appointment.

“I remember saying to him ‘you will be a vicar one day’,” she said.

“He just shrugged his shoulders. Now he has got to this stage - I am quite overwhelmed.”