THE Church of England's West Darlington Parish has two new members of its team of ministers.

Kevin Winkworth and Dr Keith Whiston were licensed as readers by the Bishop of Jarrow in Durham Cathedral last Saturday.

They join the Reverend John Dobson, vicar of All Saints' and Salutation, Blackwell, and area Dean of Darlington, and the parish's two existing readers, Debby Gill and Susan Leatherbarrow.

As well as sharing in the ministry of preaching, teaching and general pastoral work, each of the new readers will take responsibility for overseeing areas of church life.

Mr Winkworth will work to enhance the thriving children's work in the parish and Dr Whiston will work with local headteachers and other community partners to find ways to develop youth work to meet the needs of young people in the area.

At the two services on Sunday morning, the new team members preached a joint sermon, which received a round of applause from the congregation.

The service was followed by wine and cake in the Millennium Centre.

Reverend John Dobson said that he was delighted that two men with such ability and commitment had joined the team as readers and were strengthening church life in the west of the town as a result.