KINGSTON'S ancient parish church, built on the site where England's first kings are believed to have been crowned, is looking for a new Vicar.

All Saint's Church, which has parts that date back to the 12th century, is advertising for a new 'Team Rector' following the departure of Reverend Jonathan Wilkes.

Rev Wilkes had a 15-year stint in the role which saw him take on the role of leading three Kingston parishes for the first time as part of a new Church of England policy introduced in 2006.

The combined ministry includes Kingston St John the Evangelist and Kingston St John the Baptist churches, and the successful job applicant will become the official Incumbent of the Benefice of Kingston - part of the Diocese of Southwark.

The job advert notes the Liberal Catholic tradition of the parishes and All Saints' excellent musical tradition - the town centre church often hosts weekday recitals and classical music concerts at the weekends - and the new Vicar will also get a modern detached Rectory to live in.

More details on the role can be found HERE

All Saints Church has been extensively refurbished since Rev Wilkes took on the role in 2006, undergoing a 7-year project which cost £3.7 million with over £200,000 donated by Kingston residents.

The project by Daedalus Conservation sought to "ensure that the church remains the community hub that it was 1,000 years ago." Modern electricity, toilets, a kitchen and educational facility were installed and the work was shortlisted for the RICS London Awards 2015.

Its historic roots remain, however, as the building's South Door has remnants from the more than 1,000-year-old Saxon church where the first King of England, Athelstan, is believed to have been crowned. Other Saxon Kings also met and were crowned here - giving the town its name.

The Grade I listed church was added to and restored over the centuries, with the main brick tower dating back to 1708 and new roofing and ceilings provided in the 1800s.

Rev Wilkes took over as Vicar in 2006, with June Sampson in the Surrey Comet describing him as a "talented cricketer" who is "noted for his work in making the church relevant and accessible, and his enthusiasm for the creative use of church buildings."

In July last year Rev Wilkes announced that he would be leaving to move to Devon with his family, adding that he plans to develop his work as a Psychotherapist and also perhaps take on further charity work and study.

In a post on the church website, he wrote: "My faith has - as I think faith should - changed over my life time but I can safely say that my faith in God is as strong now as it ever was and I'm excited to see how it might further develop but I'd like to continue that journey of exploration now without the burden of a Bishop's license and all that that entails."

He also paid tribute to church staff, telling parishioners: "I know, absolutely, that you will support and assist them in that interregnum time and let's say now a massive thank you to them for all that they will give to All Saints."

Rev Wilkes and his wife Linda were given a send-off by Kingston Bellringers during which he tried out bellringing for the first time in his 15 year tenure.

The group said at the time: "Thank you Jonathan for all your support to our band over the past 15 years and to serving the community of Kingston. You will be missed!"