A NEWLY-appointed rector will ring in a new year full of fresh challenges as she takes over church duties in three villages.

The Rev Michelle Ferguson has been appointed rector of All Saints' Church, Hurworth, and St John's Church, Dinsdale, and vicar of Girsby church.

Having worked as a curate in Heighington for five years, Mrs Ferguson said she was looking forward to the challenges of her new post.

"I've always worked as a voluntary priest in the past, so this is the first time I'll have the responsibility that comes with a full appointment," she said. "It's a greater challenge, but one that I'm ready for. The people in the parishes are a great bunch and have been in touch to offer their support."

A native of Canada, Mrs Ferguson has lived in Heighington for 20 years with her husband, Gordon, and their four children, Nicole, 22, Helen, 20, Sam, 17, and five-year-old Marie-Louise.

She was ordained seven years ago, and has been helping in Hurworth with church duties and services since the former rector, the Rev Roy Graham, retired at the end of 2002.

Several members of the community asked Mrs Ferguson to become rector, and after discussing the position with the Bishop of Durham, she applied.

Mrs Ferguson moved into her new home in Hurworth shortly before Christmas, and will be officially welcomed into her post in an induction at All Saints' Church on Sunday.

Mrs Ferguson said: "Not only are there many loyal members of the congregations, but with weddings and funerals, the Church of England can be a backbone for so many people in society."