A CHURCH vicar says she is still on “cloud nine” after she was officially welcomed into her new parish.

Reverend Louise Collins, who works at St Michaels and All Angels Church, in Brook Road, Borehamwood, met the members of her congregation for the first time at a special ceremony.

She was licensed by the the Bishop of Hertford, the Right Reverend Dr Michael Beasly and installed by the Archdeacon of Hertford, the Venerable Dr Trevor Jones.

She said: “It was splendid – I was given a very, very warm welcome and I was very touched by it all.

“It was a great occasion. I am still in cloud nine.”

Members of the community, including Mayor of Hertsmere Martin Woster, Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, Richard Butler and the clergy were also present at the ceremony.

Members of her previous church in, her family and friends also attended the service which was followed by fellowship in the church hall.

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.”