FUNERAL arrangements for one of the first women to be ordained in County Durham have been announced.

A service for the Reverend Beryl Davison will be held at All Saints' Parish Church, in Lanchester, County Durham, at 11am this morning, followed by cremation at Mountsett Crematorium.

Ms Davison, of Lanchester, died in the University Hospital of North Durham, aged 68.

She became a parish worker in 1964 at St Mary, in Norton, before moving in 1967 to Consett parish church. She was ordained as a deacon in 1987 and became the deaconess in charge at St John's Church, Holmside, Burnhope.

At Burnhope, she was among the first women in the Durham Diocese to be ordained and served there until her retirement. She was also a chaplain at Shotley Bridge Hospital. She is survived by her sister, Eileen, and nephew, Donald.

It has been requested that no mourning dress be worn. Donations go to Christian Aid.