A RECORD number of clergy are taking up their posts in the Ely diocese this year. Numbers of clergy in Fenland and West Norfolk were boosted further on Saturday when 13 deacons and 11 priests were ordained in Ely Cathedral. The figures reflect the nationa

A RECORD number of clergy are taking up their posts in the Ely diocese this year.

Numbers of clergy in Fenland and West Norfolk were boosted further on Saturday when 13 deacons and 11 priests were ordained in Ely Cathedral.

The figures reflect the national trend with more than 560 men and women joining the Church of England clergy this year, the highest number since 2000.

Among the deacons ordained by the Bishop of Huntingdon, the Rt Rev Dr John Inge, were: Mary Hancock to serve in the parishes of Emneth and Marshland St James; Michael Jones to serve in the parish of Whittlesey St Mary, Pondersbridge and Coates; Ryk Parkinson to serve in Leverington, Newton, and Tydd St Giles.

Barbara Burton, to serve in the parish of St John, March, was ordained priest by the Bishop of Ely, the Rt Rev Dr Anthony Russell.