A NEW vicar hopes to bring a “fresh and open mind” to the church as she prepares to take on her new role.

Louise Collins joined the congregation at St Michaels and All Angles Church, in Brook Road, Borehamwood, this week.

The mother-of-four grew up in Welwyn Garden City and joins the church from St Cuthbert’s Church, South Yorkshire and Sheffield, where she spent 16 years.

She said: “I hope to bring a fresh, and an open mind to this church.

“I’ve got a massive amount to learn as regards to the needs of Borehamwood and opportunities in the area.

“It’s all quite new to me, even though I lived in Hertfordshire a while ago.

“I’m looking forward to working with a lot of different faiths. I love this area and I am very happy to be here. I’d like to thank the people of Borehamwood for their tremendous welcome.”

She previously worked as a music therapist at Harperbury Hospital, in Shenley, but said felt the “call of God” in 2003.

She added: “I was baptized when I was a baby but I was 14 when I made a personal decision to follow God and follow Christ.

“But didn’t think I’d become a vicar, I just wanted to approach life with an open mind.”