THE South Lakes Methodist Circuit is preparing to welcome a new Deacon to the community.

Deacon Maggie Patchett will be moving to the area from West Yorkshire, having spent three years working in rural churches in the areas around Skipton, Grassington, Settle and Airedale.

She has previously spent time overseas on Methodist mission work as far away as Belize and Costa Rica.

Her appointment in the South Lakes circuit will see her taking on a new initiative for the local churches, in developing a ministry to tourism.

In addition, she will also provide pastoral care for the Methodist congregations at Windermere, Ambleside and Hawkshead, whose minister, Les Hann, retired in July.

Superintendent minister for the circuit, Graham Ransom, said: "We have been planning this project since before I came into the area two years ago, and it’s exciting to see it come to fruition.

"We look forward to welcoming Maggie to the circuit, and have high hopes as to what the churches can achieve with her help."

Maggie is moving to the area in August and will be formally welcomed at a service at Ambleside Parish Centre on September 3 at 6pm, to which all are welcome.