Falmouth Parish Church has a mammoth task on its hands after receiving no less than 22 enquiries for the job of rector.

Warden Colin Cheesman, in the church's July newsletter, reported that after a "disappointing experience" within the diocese the post had been advertised nationally, after an agreement with the Bishop.

"This is a wonderful response," Mr Cheesman said, "even though it will make the selection process a real challenge."

An advertisement "short and designed to attract the eye" had first appeared in the Church Times on June 6.

Calls had started to flood in that night and continued up until the closing date of June 30.

Mr Cheesman and warden Major David Preece will now meet with Bishop Roy Screech today to draw up a shortlist of those to be interviewed for the post.

"There is a lot of work and not a little anxiety ahead of us over the next few weeks but we should be hugely thankful that we have such an opportunity before us and pray for calmness and guidance in our deliberations," Mr Cheesman said.