THE new vicar of a church in York says she feels "truly blessed" to be taking on the role.

Reverend Jacqueline Doyle-Brett has taken on the role at Vicar of St Luke the Evangelist in Burton Stone Lane, and will also be part of the team responsible for fostering vocations to ministry in the church in the Diocese of York.

Former teacher Mrs Doyle-Brett, 53, is from the East Riding of Yorkshire and was ordained in 2013, since when she has served as Curate in the Tadcaster Benefice, which also includes Church Fenton, Newton Kyme and Kirkby Wharfe.

Mrs Doyle-Brett said: "I thank God for calling me to St Luke's and feel truly blessed to be its next Vicar.”

"It will be a real privilege to walk alongside those in the parish on their journey of faith – and a joy to watch the seeds of vocation grow in those young people called to ministry in the Diocese of York."

Mrs Doyle-Brett is married to Dave, a civil servant, and mother to two daughters, Sophia and Francesca, who are both now grown up and living in the south of England.

She is also a foundation governor at Kirk Fenton Church of England Primary School, and until recently was a tutor in the training programme for Recognised Pastoral Assistants run by the Diocese of York to bring lay church members into active ministry amongst their communities.

Mrs Doyle-Brett will be collated as Vicar of St Luke’s by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, on Thursday, June 16.