THE Bishop of Worcester has welcomed several new deacons and priests to the diocese at a service at Worcester Cathedral.

The Rt Rev Dr Peter Selby ordained the six deacons and six priests at the Cathedral on Sunday.

The service began at 10.30am and brought together clergy and parishioners from across the diocese.

The candidates prepared for the ordination with a retreat at Stanbrook Abbey.

"Once again, we are very fortunate in the variety of gifts being brought to our diocese by those who are in their first post in ordained ministry here," said Dr Selby.

Among the newly ordained deacons and priests were:

n The Rev Teresa Davies - curate at St Stephen's, Worcester;

n The Rev Kath Saltwell - curate in the Worcester South East Team;

n The Rev Duncan Ballard - curate at St Barnabas and Christ Church, Worcester; and

n The Rev Geoff Wade - curate in Worcester City parish.

They are pictured with the Bishop of Worcester (left) and the Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Rev David Walker.