A FORMER press officer with North Yorkshire Police will begin his ministry as a deacon covering Skipton and Carleton following his ordination at Ripon Cathedral.

The Rev Tony Cantlow , previously a verger at Bolton Abbey, was ordained as a deacon, while the Rev Alex Wheatley, who has served as a deacon for the last year at Christ Church and at St Mary’s, Carleton, was ordained as a priest.

The men, who will be assistant curates to the Rev Ruth Harris, Vicar of Christ Church and St Mary’s, were amongst 18 men and women to be ordained at two recent services held at Ripon Cathedral, and led by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Rev Nick Baines.

Within the Church of England there are three stages of ordained ministry: deacons, priests and bishops. Following training at theological college, newly ordained deacons are appointed to a three to four year post of curate, for training alongside an experienced vicar. After one year, deacons are normally ordained as priests.