Parishioners of St Mary Magdalene church in Vicarage Road, Lillington have been without a vicar for two years.

But by next year, the Rev Charlotte Gale will be the first woman to lead the congregation since parish records began in 1252.

She is currently serving a parish in Coventry and was previously curate in the parish of St Margaret’s, Whitnash.

The 36-year-old will have the official title of priest in charge and will be serving both the parish of Lillington and covering St James’s church in Old Milverton.

Lillington parish information officer Graham Cooper said: “She has a good record of bringing young people into church membership and those to whom church attendance may not be second nature - so although both churches are already thriving with substantial congregations, the hope is that she will swell the numbers to an even greater extent.”

The Rev Rosemary Pantling has been named as the new vicar for St Mary’s church in Cubbington and will begin her duties in January.

The church has been without a vicar since February when the Rev Ken Lindop retired after serving the congregation for 27 years.

Mrs Pantling, 47, was ordained in 2001 and is currently associate minister for St Chad’s church in Old Milverton.

She said: “Until now I have been a Minister in Secular Employment. Some priests like me earn their everyday living in non-church jobs, just like any other Christian.

“At the moment I am a receptionist at a Warwick doctors’ surgery.

“This is a change of direction into a paid church job and I am looking forward to the new challenge”.