PARISHIONERS in Teesdale are being invited to attend the licensing of their new vicar.

The Reverend Amanda Pike is to be licensed by the Bishop of Durham on April 6, at 7pm, in St Mary's Church, Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Mrs Pike is to be the new priest-in-charge of the three parishes of Holy Trinity at Eggleston, St James the Less of Forest and Frith, and St Mary's Church, Middleton-in-Teesdale.

She will also be working with children at Teesdale and Staindrop comprehensive schools for the Barnard Castle deanery.

Mrs Pike currently works as assistant curate of Elloughton and Brough with Brantingham, in the diocese of York. She is moving to Teesdale with her husband Simon, and her three daughters aged 11, 12 and 14.

She said: We're all really looking forward to coming up here. For me, it's like coming home, as I was brought up on a farm in North Yorkshire.

"Everybody I've met has been really nice and there's a real sense of community.

"I really love school work and I'm looking forward to that. It should be interesting as it's a new post.

"Although, I don't know whether I'll have to pierce my nose or my lip to fit in!"