A STUDENT and trainee priest will be the next curate at York Minster.

Ellie Bangay, 23, who is currently studying for an MA in Theology and Ministry at the University of Durham, will take up her position at the Minster in July.

Miss Bangay, from Guisborough, graduated from the University of Leeds in 2012 and moved to Durham to work for St Nicholas’s Church as a youth and children’s intern.

She began her training for ordained ministry at Cranmer Hall, University of Durham, in 2013 and has developed close links with the community in the North East through her work as a guide leader and voluntary work at a food bank.

Speaking about Ellie’s appointment, The Reverend Canon Michael Smith, Pastor at the Minster, said: “We are delighted that part of Ellie’s training for her ordained ministry will be with us here at the Minster. While the role will be familiar with many parish congregations, it is fairly unusual for a cathedral to have someone in this particular role.”

Ellie will be ordained at York Minster at 10am on Friday, July 5, by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, along with 20 other candidates, all of whom will serve as curates within the Diocese of York.