AN ECCLESIASTICAL privilege has been rightfully restored to Hurworth parish.

Since 1826, the rector of Hurworth has greeted any new Bishop of Durham as he enters the most southerly point of his diocese for the first time.

But in 1994, the Rev Roy Graham was unable to carry out the task and the honour fell to the Mayor of Darlington. It was then assumed to be a civic duty.

Churchwarden Brian Johnson consulted the diocesan secretary to find out who should rightfully carry out the ceremony.

The matter was referred to Canon Leonard Piper, 94, rector of Hurworth from 1939-73, who confirmed it was an ecclesiastical, rather than civil, ceremony, and it was returned to the parish recently.

Mr Johnson said: "Through my own research I discovered the privilege dates back to about the 1830s and I'm delighted that it has been restored to the parish."

The ceremony originally took place at Sockburn or Neasham ford, but it has now been transferred to Croft bridge.

The Conyers falchion, a curved sword, which according to legend, was used to kill the ferocious Sockburn Worm, was always presented by the senior member of the Conyers family, who lived at Sockburn Hall.

The custom was then taken over by the rector and the falchion is now kept in the library of Durham Cathedral.

This year's ceremony will take place on Croft bridge on July 4 when the new bishop, Canon Tom Wright, will be welcomed.

The area dean, the Rev John Dobson, has been asked to perform the honours because Hurworth parish is without a rector at present.

Under a Durham diocese policy a new rector will not be appointed until December at the earliest.

Mr Johnson added: "The rector will be appointed by the parish patrons and there have been no nominations made yet. I'm hoping something will happen soon.

"However, we are not letting the church go to waste. We are working hard to keep on going and to get people to come in. We still have a full service programme.