A FORMER BBC producer is the new archdeacon of Colchester.

The Rev Ruth Patten was previously the priest in Benefice of Great Dunmow and Barnston.

She said: “I am excited to be returning to the Colchester archdeaconry in a new capacity.

“I have come to love north Essex over the past few years and look forward to working alongside people in the parishes and communities of the archdeaconry.”

“I am also pleased to be joining colleagues in the Colchester area team.”

Ruth will begin her time as Archdeacon of Colchester in May. She succeeds Annette Cooper who retired in November.

The Rev Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Chelmsford, has said: “I am delighted Ruth Patten has agreed to be the next Archdeacon of Colchester.

“She served as a curate in the Colchester Archdeaconry and is currently Priest-in-Charge of Great Dunmow and Barnston in the Stansted Archdeaconry, so she knows North Essex well.

“Before ordination, Ruth worked as a producer in the BBC. She is a creative person.

“She will bring vision, energy and thoughtfulness to her new post and I am confident her ministry will be a blessing to the parishes.”