A WORSHIP specialist has been appointed as a cathedral's first salaried woman priest.

The Reverend Gilly Myers has taken over as succentor, sacrist and minor canon at Durham Cathedral.

Her responsibilities include co-ordinating worship and music, looking after the cathedral's holy garments, treasures and artefacts, and supporting the Choristers School.

She said: "This is the first time I have been in the north and Durham is such a beautiful place. I am quite overwhelmed by the sense of history and heritage and it is surrounded by such beautiful countryside."