AN assistant curate of Stansted Mountfitchet, Birchanger and Farnham is set to be made priest later this month.

After almost a year serving as deacon, Rev Giles Tulk, pictured, will be ordained priest by the Bishop of Colchester, The Rt Rev Christopher Morgan, on June 27 at St John’s Church in Stansted.

Rev Tulk said he is looking forward to the occasion but stressed he would not lose the “servanthood ethos” of his deacon role, which sees him take funeral and baptism services, home communion and developing outreach in schools and care homes.

“I have particularly enjoyed my role in reaching out into all parts of our community and I have been blessed with three very supportive congregations who have backed new initiatives” he said.

“I am pleased the three congregations will be able to celebrate with me as they have been such as support.

“I am looking forward to being able to preside at Holy Communion as for me this forms the focal point of my faith, and also be able to take weddings.

“It will also mean that I can act more independently in the benefice so that the rector and I can spend more time with the different congregations on a Sunday.”