TEN candidates were ordained in Worcester Cathedral over the weekend to serve in parishes across the diocese.

Three candidates were ordained deacon on Saturday and are entering their first year of training as a curate.

A further seven candidates have completed their first year and were ordained priest on Sunday. They are now able to preside at the Holy Communion.

The Bishop of Worcester, the right reverend John Inge, presided at both ordinations, assisted by the Bishop of Dudley, the right reverend Graham Usher.

The rev Rhiannon King, director of Mission in the Church of England, Birmingham, preached.

Ordained deacon were Becky Elliott, who will serve in the West Worcestershire Rural Team; Paula Honniball, who will serve in St John the Baptist, Claines and St. George’s Worcester; James Treasure, who will serve as part of the Kidderminster West Team Ministry.

Ordained priest were Kalantha Brewis, serving at St Barnabas with Christ Church, Tolladine in Worcester; Alex French, serving at St Mary, Oldswinford, Stourbridge; Rick Tett, serving at Holy Trinity, Eckington and St James, Defford cum St Peter, Besford; Orion Edgar, serving in the Benefice of Pershore with Pinvin, Wick and Birlingham; Chris Enwerem, serving at St John the Evangelist, Dudley Wood and Cradley Heath; Sue Hale, serving at St Mark’s, Pensnett; Sallie Butcher, who will serve in Teme Valley North, Shrawley and Witley with Abberley.

Bishop John Inge said: "Ordination services are a great celebration of God’s call to serve. It is always a joy to ordain those who have responded to God's call to dedicate their life to the service of God and other people in ministry."