A PENSIONER who has served in his village church throughout his life has been made an Honorary Lay Canon of Ripon Cathedral.

Rex Lowson, 69, from Teesdale, was installed by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Reverend John Packer, at a service in Ripon Cathedral on Sunday.

Mr Lowson, who has worshipped all his life at St Cuthbert's Church, Cotherstone, was joined by more than 50 friends and fellow parishioners.

The honour marked his devotion to his local parish of Romaldkirk with Laithkirk, where he has served as choirboy, Sunday school teacher, sidesman, churchwarden, organist, and member of the Parochial Church Council.

In 1989, he became a lay minister and led worship at many churches in the Richmond Deanery. He was also honoured in 1998 when he was made an MBE for his voluntary work.

Mr Lowson said: "It is a very great honour to be made an honorary lay canon, having lived in the same community all my life. It was a wonderful service and made all the more special because I was surrounded by friends and colleagues."