A SPECIAL Holy Communion service will be held at Castle Howard on Sunday, September 6.

The Right Reverend Dr John Thomson, Bishop of Selby, will visit the stately home's new chaplain, the Revd Anne Freestone, who joined Castle Howard in February and is the first female chaplain to take the post.

She said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve this unique community and am endeavouring to put my stamp on this very special and beautiful place. It is wonderful to once again see the Chapel being used for services of all kind and I am thrilled to be welcoming the Bishop of Selby in September."

Bishop John said: "I’m looking forward to visiting Castle Howard again and celebrating Holy Communion in the Chapel. Attending a service in the Chapel is the best way to experience and understand the space; it was built and beautifully decorated to be a place where God is worshipped and honoured.

"I hope that people who visit Castle Howard, but who might not go to church on a Sunday, will come to the service and feel welcome."

The service begins at 10am, and refreshments will be served afterwards in the Grecian Hall.