PIONEERING church workers David Igoe and his wife Marie Louise have been officially commissioned to help a priestless parish flourish.

The couple, who have three children, have been managing the parish of St Wilfred's Catholic Church in Bishop Auckland, since the parish priest Father Kieron O'Donnell left to spend a year in the Bosnian shrine of Medjugorje .

Their role in the Catholic church is a pioneering experiment being used throughout the country because of a shortage of priests.

Recently Bishop Ambrose Griffiths officially commissioned Mr and Mrs Igoe to assist with everyday life at the Bishop Auckland parish.

Mrs Igoe, 34, is employed by the parish for 16 hours a week while her husband, 35, is a full-time volunteer.

They both say the close-knit parish has welcomed them and their three boys, Daniel, seven, Robert, four, and baby Francis, four months, with open arms despite being sceptical about the appointment in the beginning.

Mrs Igoe said: "We have been commissioned by the Bishop to stay for the next two years. This is something that is developing as it goes along. There are only a few of us in the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese.''

A priest would usually reside in the church house but after Fr Kieron left he was not replaced, leaving the building empty and vulnerable to vandals.

The Igoe family are able to give the church peace of mind by living in the property and taking care of it.

"Our role is to look after the house and community development. It has been a great experience. It was a bit strange for people at first having a family here and not having a priest, but everyone has been very welcoming.'' Father Simon Weymes, who is parish priest of both St Mary's, Bishop Auckland, where he lives, and St Wilfred's, two miles away, has welcomed the new arrangement.

He said: "David and Marie are finding their feet and have made some good contacts in their pastoral work.''