AUSTRALIAN cleric, the Rev Frances Ward is preparing to take up her new appointment as Vicar of St Peter's Church in Bury in October.

The 39-year-old was chosen to succeed Canon Gordon Roxby who left the post at the church in St Peter's Road in February.

Ms Ward was born in Melbourne and came over to live in Ely, Cambridgeshire, when her English father returned to Britain.

Ms Ward completed a theology degree at St Andrew's University, Scotland, before doing a nursing course in London.

She went on to Cambridge to do a two-year ordination training course.

Ms Ward made the move up North and completed a four-year curacy at Westhoughton before teaching ministerial training in Rusholme for the United Reformed Church.

Ms Ward has been an assistant priest at St George's Church in Unsworth for the last year.

She is also in the final stages of her PhD at Manchester University.

As a regular worshipper at St Peter's, Ms Ward says she is delighted and honoured to take on her new position. She said: "I have been up their at the front and in the pews so I feel I have experienced both sides.

"I know the congregation well and have received a warm welcome."

Ms Ward admits that she is a woman of ideas but has no major plans.

"I would really like to develop links with the two schools in my parish and work with the children which is my main priority.

"I am very much a people's person and I am looking forward to going out there and working with all kinds of people."

Ms Ward admits that being a woman in her profession is something she is aware of.

She said: "I know there are many women who are having a tough time being accepted but I have to say for my part I have not experienced any difficulties.

"I do feel the pressure of being a woman and feel like I have to really prove myself because if something does go wrong I do not want anyone to say it is because I am a woman."

When Ms Ward does get a spare minute she enjoys time with her four young children and her husband, Peter Powell.

She is also enjoys reading and embroidery.

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