Former BBC broadcaster appointed Team Rector at East Ham church

Reverend Robert Marshall is officially licensed by the Bishop of Chelmsford as the new vicar at St Bartholomew's Church. Picture: Isabel Infantes (Image: Archant)

The Diocese of Chelmsford, which covers Newham, has appointed the Revd Rob Marshall to the church in East Ham, meaning he will also serve the congregations of St Mary Magdalen and St Alban’s East.

Revd Marshall, 52, worked in broadcasting for 10 years as a sports commentator and a regular presenter of Pause for Thought on BBC Radio 2.

He occasionally appears on Thought for the Day for Radio 4’s Today programme and he has written four books.

Revd Marshall said: ”I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this new challenge at this particular stage in my ministry.

“I am looking to working hard with colleagues and with the various communities already in place who are doing fine work.

“Our task is to change people’s lives and to give them a glimpse of something more profound.

“These are exciting times for our church.”

Revd Marshall has also served in parishes in Ripon & Leeds, Bradford, and London and he is expected to take up his post in the spring.