CHURCH leaders have demonstrated their commitment to a Weardale village by appointing a new rector.

Malcolm Goodall has been priest in charge of St Mary's and St Stephen's Church in Wolsingham for the last four-and-a-half years.

But at a ceremony in the village on Sunday he was made rector, continuing a tradition which has remained for hundreds of years.

The church wardens decided they wanted a church rector, rather than a priest in charge, and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) agreed.

Although not technically a promotion - Mr Goodall will be doing the same job - it is viewed as making the position more permanent. Mr Goodall said: "It's just a status thing really. They've always had a rector in Wolsingham since the 12th Century and I think they wanted to continue with that tradition.

"From my point of view I originally wasn't too bothered about it, but now I think it's giving out a sign that the church is alive and well. It's saying there's going to be a church in Wolsingham and it will continue to grow in Weardale."