REVEREND Ruth Hulse, who featured in the BBC series A Vicar's Life, preached to a congregation of hundreds at St Paul's Cathedral last weekend.

Revd Ruth, the Team Vicar for the West Hereford Team Ministry, was invited to preach at Evensong by Canon Mark Oakley, Chancellor of St Paul’s.

Her sermon on Sunday, June 10, was her debut at the cathedral.

Revd Ruth said: "When the email arrived inviting me to preach at St Paul’s Cathedral, I thought it must be a mistake or joke."

“Having established it was in fact a genuine invitation however, the date of the 10th June was settled on."

The day coincided with a march in London to commemorate the 100th anniversary of some British women getting the right to vote.

This caused traffic chaos in the city, leaving the Revd Ruth to rush across the capital on the underground and arriving with only five minutes to spare.

She continued: "Arriving shortly before the start of the service, out of breath to immediately robe and process, the beauty of the cathedral and the simplicity of the Evensong service quickly calmed any anxiety."

“I was led to the pulpit that has hosted great and inspirational preachers over many decades, and looked out over a few hundred people as I delivered my sermon on stepping out in faith, trusting that God will hold us; and yes, I was preaching to myself too!”

Revd Ruth's husband John and her two sons David and James accompanied her to the service and enjoyed a selfie outside the iconic London cathedral.