A MARRIED couple have come all the way from Latvia to take over as leaders of the local Salvation Army.

Lieutenants Graeme and Zoe Smith, aged 41 and 33, have taken the reigns of the Dartford branch of the Salvation Army, which is based in Hythe Street.

The couple, who have been married since 1999 and have two young children, had been running a day centre for youngsters at risk in Riga in Latvia for six years.

They take over in Dartford from Captain Andrew Bale and Lieutenant Tracey Bale, who are now leading the Rayleigh in Essex branch.

Mr and Mrs Smith said: “We are looking to build upon the great work being done by local Salvationists in the community.”

For further information on the Dartford Salvation Army, call the Smiths on 01322 288434.