TWO fathers have been accepted by the Durham diocese to become readers.

Keith Whiston and Kevin Winkworth will start their three-year course in September to become readers at the Saints and Salutation Church, in Blackwell, Darlington.

Readers lead services at the church and preach, as well as taking pastoral and teaching works in the area,

The Reverend John Dobson said: "As men who have the responsibilities of fatherhood, as well as busy and demanding jobs, making the time for training will be no mean feat.

"For everyone who pursues such a vocation, the course itself provides an essential part of the necessary testing.

"In the same way that the world needs faithful Christians to be faithfully active, the church's ministry also needs the experience and wisdom of people who are operating in the world.

"Contrary to the strange ideas of some people, we clergy still exist in the world in much the same way as everyone else."

When both men are licensed there will be four readers at the church.