The Bishop of London has licensed 13 new lay ministers at a service at St Martin-in-the-Fields.

The ministers, also known as Readers, are all from the Stepney, Willesden and Kensington areas of the Diocese of London.

They are the first batch to be licensed in the diocese following the introduction of a broader training curriculum that places extra emphasis on developing candidates as community leaders within their parishes.

The Reverend Dr Sean Doherty from St Mellitus College, who was involved in the training of the new ministers, commented: "It was a pleasure to be involved in the training of these talented new lay ministers.

"This particular group is unique, having been trained under the new curriculum, and I'm sure that they will go on to serve their respective London parishes with great passion, commitment and the broader understanding of community leadership that is becoming increasingly important in today's ministry."

Although the ministers have not ordained, they are authorised by the Church to teach, preach, lead worship and give pastoral care.