SCHOOL pupil Chris Johnson has swapped lessons and examinations for prayers and sermons in an unusual experience believed to be the first of its kind in York.

The Tadcaster Grammar School student is shadowing a parish priest in the York Diocese as part of a work placement programme.

Chris, 15, who is considering joining the ministry, is spending two weeks looking at what the Church does in the community.

He has already visited Martin House Hospice at Boston Spa with the chaplain, the Reverend Chris Coates, and spent a day with the vergers who organise the day-to-day running of York Minster.

Martin Sheppard, spokesman for the York Diocese, said Chris's request was the first it had received. The majority of students are placed with local businesses.

He said: "It's been good for all of us to have Chris around. It's an unusual work experience placement and I hope we've risen to the challenge."

Chris said he was particularly impressed with Martin House, a centre in Wetherby for children and young people with life-threatening illnesses.

He said: "The buildings are wonderfully designed to support the special care and attention given to each individual resident.

"There's a surprising variety of work going on in the Church, and it's been interesting to see how that is organised and supported."

Updated: 10:47 Monday, September 15, 2003