A hearty congregation from the six parishes of Weston-under-Penyard, Hope Mansel, the Lea, Aston Ingham, Linton and Upton Bishop gathered at the Lea for Evensong on Sunday, August 24th, when the Bishop of Hereford admitted a new Reader to licensed ministry in their parishes.

Tony Morgan was already in training when he moved with his wife Jeni to Dancing Green two years ago, and has played an active role in the churches of the area.

Readers are licensed to preach, lead certain services and assist at others, and to visit and teach on behalf of the church.

The Bishop preached and music was led by a combined choir under the direction of Margaret King, organist at the Lea.

The Reverend Neil Patterson, only in post as vicar himself for six months, said: "It was a delight to find on arriving that Tony was already in training; we are already benefiting from his warmth and encouraging preaching, and I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead."