A WOMAN priest who used to be a man has held her first service since her story was revealed.

The Worcester News revealed in February how Sarah Jones, aged 43, was a curate for six months in Ross-on-Wye before parishioners were told of her past.

But after some controversy over her ordination, she finally gave Holy Communion on Sunday at the town's St Mary's Church.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Hereford said: "The parishioners greatly enjoyed the service and fully support this new vicar."

Before the sex change in 1995, Sarah lived her life as Colin and even married a woman, but later divorced her, without having any children.

The Bishop of Hereford, the Right Rev Anthony Priddis, has given her his full support since she was appointed last year.

He said: "Sarah has gone through a painful process of becoming the woman she is. She was open with us from the word go and has not sought to hide her medical history.

"She has become a much-loved curate in the short time she has been part of the team."