PEOPLE from across Dudley and Stourbridge have been ordained to serve in parishes across the Diocese of Worcester.

Sarah Roberts-Malpass, who serves at St Thomas’ Church in Stourbridge, was ordained as a priest on Saturday July 1 and will now be able to preside at Holy Communion.

Claire Cox, who will be serving at St Mary’s Church, Oldswinford, Stourbridge, was ordained as a deacon on Sunday July 2.

Ben Somervell, who will serve at Holy Trinity Church in Old Hill, and Esther Treasure, who will serve in the Dudley Team at Top Church, were also ordained as deacons which means they are entering their first year of training as a curate.

The ordination services were led by the Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, and the Bishop of Dudley, Martin Gorick.

Bishop John said: “One of the greatest privileges of being a bishop is ordaining new deacons and priests.

"Those ordained will be a great gift to everyone in the places they will be ministering, not just those who worship in their churches.

"I pray for God’s blessing upon them, that they may be a rich blessing to others.”