REV Frances Wookey has been appointed Rural Dean of Upton Deanery.

Mrs Wookey, vicar of St James's in Welland, St Gabriel's in Hanley Swan and St Mary's in Hanley Castle, is only the third woman to be appointed as a rural dean in the Worcester Diocese.

Covering more than 20 village churches, Mrs Wookey said one of her main tasks would be to help those churches without a vicar of their own.

She also hopes to continue the work of her predecessor, Rev Chris Hardwick, by organising events that bring the churches of Upton Deanery closer together.

Mrs Wookey will also hold regular deanery synod meetings with representatives of each of the parishes.

She was commissioned as rural dean last month and the initial appointment is for three years.

Mrs Wookey, who continues as vicar of the churches in Welland, Hanley Swan and Hanley Castle, said: "It's going to be a busy few years. Being a rural dean is about being there to help wherever you're needed."

Mrs Wookey is married and her husband Roger is a lay reader.