A NEW town centre chaplain is taking her ministry out to shop and office workers in Bishop Auckland.

Probationary Methodist minister the Reverend Rosa Leto's is combining her new role with looking after the Methodist churches in Etherley and Witton Park, as well as acting as chaplain to Asda stores in Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor.

Her post in Bishop Auckland is a Methodist chaplaincy initiative and will take her into dozens of business premises.

She will work on Thursdays and Fridays and some Saturday mornings, offering a sympathic ear to people facing problems or difficult issues at work.

A former teacher, she grew up in Sydney, Australia, and now lives in Durham with her husband, Martin Laffin, and their two sons.

She said: "My parents were Italian immigrants, so I grew up among the Italian community in Sydney. I didn't speak a word of English when I started school, so I know what it is like to be an outsider.

"My father worked in a factory but lost his job when it closed. I had to leave school at 16 and put myself through my studies.

"My first degree was in industrial relations, economics, sociology and politics, so I have a working knowledge of workplace issues.

"Most of all, I am there to provide a positive presence, a confidential listening ear for people.

"Every day is different and I never know what problems I am going to face.

"If I can diffuse a difficult situation or make people's lives easier, then I am making a contribution.

"People should be able to feel valued in their workplace. Every worker is important no matter what their job is."

Contact her on 0191-374 1096 or through town centre manager Derek Toon at the Four Clocks Centre in Newgate Street, on (01388) 606764.