IT was the night they thought they would never see, but last night Far Eastern clergyman David Yam was finally licensed in his new role as a Southampton vicar.

Dozens of people turned out to welcome him to his new post and watch the Bishop of Winchester, the Right Rev Michael Scott-Joynt, carry out the special ceremony.

Mr Yam, 40, pictured, has faced a long and gruelling battle with the Home Office after his application for a work permit was rejected earlier this year.

He had been offered the post of vicar of Newtown and Nicholstown but had been unable to take up the appointment until his British residency was secured.

The congregation of the city centre parish rallied round and launched a campaign to safeguard his future, which saw team rector the Rev Ian Johnson vowing to hide Mr Yam in a secret place if the appeal was turned down.

But after weeks of waiting the news came that Mr Yam could stay and preparations for his big night finally began.

At his licensing at St Mary's Church, St Mary Street, last night he was visibly excited about the whole event.

He said: "I feel overwhelmed. Tonight is a night I thought might never happen. I am just very, very excited."

Mr Johnson said: "I am relieved to get a full-time vicar for Newtown and Nicholstown at last.

"It is wonderful that we have got to the end of this saga. At one point I had given up, but I am pleased it is happening. It is extraordinary how David has been taken into the hearts of the city and the support that he has received.

"Now we can really get on and make things happen."

After the ceremony the congregation joined Mr Yam, the Bishop and Mr Johnson in a buffet celebration.

Parishioner Patricia Jalast, of Golden Grove, said: "We are all pleased that he has been allowed to stay and that he has been able to take up the job."

Sue Hulbert, of Kent Street, Northam, said: "At one stage we thought we might not see this. It is just brilliant, words can't really describe it. We have done lots of praying."

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.