It was a first for Teesdale on Sunday as two vicars were licensed to practice across two dioceses.

Reverends Jonathan Barker and Alison Wallbank were installed as part of a special mass at the St Mary the Virgin Church, in Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Rev Barker is now priest in charge of nine churches from St Giles, in Bowes, to St James the Less, in Forrest-in-Teesdale, while Rev Wallbank joins him as associate minister.

Rev Barker, originally of Rossendale, arrived to take up her position in Middleton-in-Teesdale last week.

She has previously worked as a family advocate for Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council for 12 years as well as being a non-stipendiary priest and a prison chaplain.

She also has more than 20 years experience in advertising sales, catering and in the health and safety industry which she says has already helped her in her new role.

“I just feel all that experience that I have had the whole of my life is something I can use,” she said.

“I may not be a typical vicar but I have got all the skills to work as a community worker and I could never mention God before because I could not bring God into it but I’m not going to be frightened of mentioning the ‘G’ word now.”

Rev Wallbank said the installation was a lovely and she was already getting stuck into her work.

“I started on Monday and had four weddings and a funeral and they told me it’s really quiet,” she added.