Two new deacons have joined churches across the borough after being ordained at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Greg Bannister will join Christ Church, in Chalk Lane, Cockfosters, and Stephen Coleman will join St Paul's in Church Hill, Winchmore Hill, as part of nine men and women joining churches in north London.

The group join a growing team of clergy to give experience to the diocese of London.

The Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Revd Peter Wheatley, said: “It’s an exciting time to be in north London, a growing Church serving an expanding population, and here are eight young people eager to serve church and community from Camden Town to Cockfosters.”

The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, presided over the service as the candidates were ordained to the office of deacon, which is a step on the path towards priesthood.