A VICAR will be carrying out duties for a rather different flock when he moves to a new position in Italy, as chaplain to the local NATO forces.

The Rev Arthur Siddall, vicar of Chipping with Whitewell, has been appointed chaplain at historic Christ Church in Naples after stints across East Lancashire.

In Italy he will mainly be working with the local English-speaking population. But one of his duties will be to defence group NATO, who have a number of units stationed in Naples.

He cannot say too much about the work he will be doing, but he revealed he was thought ideal for the position thanks to his knowledge of different religions and theology.

The respected clergyman will be leaving his East Lancashire position after eight years, when he moves to the continent with his wife, Susan, in July.

Mr Siiddall said: "Certain bases are key to the work of NATO. Without going into too much detail, the base at Naples is quite important.

"It might seem wild to go to a job like that but the nature of the job is such at they prefer someone with a particular background and experience to do it.

"I specialise in Islam and Roman Catholic theology, and that goes with the job." NATO consists of 26 countries including the UK, USA, Italy and France, and was formed to uphold the agreements made in a 1949 treaty, signed to keep peace and stability in the North Atlantic area.

Mr Siddall and his wife have two children, teacher Jennifer, 25, and Mark, 27, a researcher at a Swiss university. The 61-year-old is used to travelling, having previously worked at a mission in Bangladesh. He spent eight years as vicar of St Gabriel, Blackburn, and was vicar of St Paul, Low Moor, Clitheroe, for five years.

He has also worked in London as deputy general secretary of the Missions to Seamen, where he was responsible for all the Anglican 'port chaplains' throughout the world.

He is now working as the diocesan rural chaplain. As part of his preparation for the new post he is even learning Italian.

A Farewell Dinner for Mr Siddall and his wife will be held at the New Drop Inn on Sunday, July 11, at 8pm.