THE Rev Tricia Allsopp, assistant curate of Upton, Ripple, Earls Croome with Hill Croome and Strensham, is to be ordained a priest at Worcester Cathedral on July 1.

She will preside at her first eucharist in Upton Parish Church the same evening, at 6.30pm.

Mrs Allsopp came to live in Ryall with her husband, Michael, after being ordained a deacon last July.

She has conducted baptisms and family services and assisted the rector, the Rev Chris Hardwick, at weddings and eucharists.

"It has been a very good year. I've enjoyed it very much and everyone has made us feel welcome," she said.

With all the other trainees to be ordained on July 1, she has just spent five days in Belfast with the Columbanus Community, who are working in peace and reconciliation there.

Before her ordination, Mrs Allsopp and her husband are off to Washington DC to visit their son, David. They also have a daughter, Bethan, who lives in Leicester.