A WENSLEYDALE clergyman is to be honoured for his service to the Church of England.

The Rev Michael Hepper, Vicar of Leyburn and Bellerby and the Area Dean for Wensley, is to be given the title of Canon.

The ceremony will be conducted by the Rt Rev Nick Baines the Bishop of Leeds early next year at Ripon Cathedral, and he will join the College of Canons at Ripon.

His congregation has bucked the national trend to increase substantially since his arrival, and is keen on community integration.

He said: “I was very surprised to be given this honour; although I am very pleased to be recognised.”