A MUM-of-two from Bromsgrove was ordained by the Bishop of Worcester on Saturday, and will now serve her hometown as deacon of St John's Church.

Janet Hatton, who has lived in Bromsgrove for most of her life, experienced a 'calling from God' at the age of 42, and began attending the Kidderminster Road church.

She became increasingly involved with the ministry, taking on roles such as sides person, Mothers' Union member and churchwarden, before leading some services of her own.

It was after completing an Authorised Lay Ministry course as worship leader that Janet felt God was calling her to the ordained ministry.

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Janet told the Advertiser: "It has been a long journey for me, and not always the easiest one.

"Although I firmly believed that God was calling me to ordained ministry, and I never doubted it, I have had to be extremely patient to have my calling recognised.

"I’m very grateful to my friends at church who have supported me through this time, my family who have always understood how important my faith is to me and to the Revd Ray Khan who has been a great support with his belief in me."

Janet, who lives in Bromsgrove with her husband Cliff and two sons Andrew and Michael, was one of 14 candidates ordained at Worcester Cathedral over the weekend.

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Janet added: "I am looking forward to my ministry within St John’s, serving God in any way that I can, with the gifts that God has given me and to the best of my ability.

"I believe in an amazing God who is full of love and compassion for all."

Rich Hackett, who is also from Bromsgrove, will now serve in the Holy Trinity parish in Old Hill.

Bishop of Worcester John Inge said: "It is always a great privilege to be able to ordain people who have discovered the love of God in their lives and have decided to devote themselves to bringing that love to others.

"Not only the Church, but all society will be hugely enriched as a result.”