ONE of the country's first woman priests is swapping her rural parish post in County Durham for one in Gateshead.

The Reverend Valerie Shedden will take her last service at St Michael's Church, Bishop Middleham, on Sunday, before she takes up another post at Heworth, in Felling.

She has spent six years in the parish as Priest in Charge and was described as achieving many "remarkable things" during her stay.

Ms Sheddon also worked as religious advisor to the Diocese of Durham.

A public acknowledgement of her ministry will take place in the village hall, tonight at 7pm.