FOR THE first time in history, the Monmouthshire Brecon Canal has been given its own chaplain.

The Reverend John Collier, curate-in-charge of the Parish of Mamhilad, was licensed as chaplain to the Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust by the Bishop of Monmouth, Rt Revd Richard Pain.

The licence was given at a service of thanksgiving for the work of the trust in Mamhilad Church on February 22.

“The canal has been such an important part of communities along its route, and I am keen that the trust will be enabled to bring back this importance,” said Mr Collier.

“I see the co-operation between the trust and the church to this end to be important, and I am very pleased to accept the role of chaplain to strengthen the bond between us, and to show that our church is an active part of the community in which we live and worship.”