On June 27, the Rev Sue Reilly was ordained Priest by Bishop James, the Bishop of Knaresborough, at a service in St John's Church while the following day, the Rev Darryl Hall was ordained Deacon by Bishop John, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, at a service in Ripon Cathedral.

At a party afterwards in St John’s Church Hall, Mr Hall and his family, including his wife Sharon and sons Tom and William, were welcomed by members from all the Anglican Churches in the Team.

Knaresborough Team Rector, the Rev Elizabeth Sewell, said: “Sue's priesting, which enables her to celebrate communion, and Darryl's arrival are both causes for great celebration in the Team. Together with the Rev John Bullamore and I, they will be part of our ministry to Knaresborough, Brearton, Goldsborough, Flaxby and Coneythorpe.

“People will see them in schools and homes, in the churches and around the town and villages and they would be delighted if you introduced yourself to them.”

Mr Hall added: “This is a very exciting time for us all. We moved to Knaresborough in the middle of June from Durham where I have been undergoing two years’ training at St John’s College for the ordained ministry. We’re all really looking forward to meeting everyone and getting to know everyone better.

“We've only been in Knaresborough for a couple of weeks but the whole family have already been made very welcome. We look forward to helping folk here experience more of God’s love and care for them.”