THE Archbishop of York has ordained 15 new deacons in a special service at York Minster.

Dr David Hope ordained 15 people, aged between 27 and 63, to work in the Diocese of York for a year as deacons before they are ordained priests.

Those ordained include father-of-four Peter Bowes, 55, who is married to Beryl, the priest-in-charge of Kexby and Wilberfoss. A lawyer, he will serve at Pocklington with Owsthorpe and Kilnwick Percy with Great Givendale and Millington along with Stuart Mitchell, 50, who was also ordained yesterday.

Peter Burgess, 63, who is married to Ros, and has two grown-up children, will serve at Wheldrake with Thorganby.

Former head teacher Bernard Fray, 59, will carry out his duties at Long Marston, Rufforth, Moor Monkton, Hessay, Healaugh, Wighill, Bilbrough, Askham Richard, Tockwith, Bilton and Bickerton.

Former GP Trevor Jordan, 58, will serve at St Martin's, Seamer.

Phil Lamb, 34, who used to work in the caravan industry, will work at Bridlington Priory.

Also ordained were Jennie Appleby, for Marton-in-Cleveland; Tony Cotson, for Hull; John Cowan, for Redcar; Marian Gardner, for Kirkleatham; Laura McWilliams, for Hull; Clay Roundtree, for Yarm; Paul Seymour, for Ingleby Barwick; Phil Sowerbutts, for Hull; and Malcolm Tonge, for Middlesbrough.

Updated: 10:44 Monday, June 30, 2003