THE curate at Holy Trinity Church Skipton has been appointed vicar of St Paul's in Buttershaw, Bradford.

Janice Sharp, 45, has been at the Skipton church since 1996 following her ordination at Bradford Cathedral.

She trained on the Northern Ordination Course after seven years as a physiotherapist helper. She is married to James, and they have two children, Peter, 23, and Jacqueline 20.

Janice said she was thrilled and a little apprehensive about her new role. "It's obviously a big step into your first job as vicar and we'll also be going back into the heart of the city."

She added that she would miss Skipton very much and could not begin to say what she had learnt through her work at Holy Trinity. "The bulk of my future ministry will be owed to Holy Trinity."

The rector of Holy Trinity, the Rev Adrian Botwright, said Janice would be greatly missed.

"She has been a much loved and popular curate. Most especially we have appreciated her prayerfulness and her great care in visiting people both in their homes and in hospital.

"It has been a privilege to work with Janice and all of us at Holy Trinity send her our best wishes."

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