A Benfleet woman will be one of the first lay people to be made a canon at Chelmsford Cathedral early next year.

Eileen French of Thundersley Park Road will be appointed along with one other woman and two men who are all ordinary members of the public.

Up until this year, only ordained clergy could become canons but under new rules brought in this year, bishops can choose to nominate members of the public to the high position.

Mrs French, 67, has been chosen to take up the role because of her hard work and dedication to the church. She will be appointed on January 6 during a special evensong service given by the Bishop of Chelmsford John Perry.

Mrs French was picked in recognition of her work in the field of ecumenism - the bringing together of Christian denominations.

She works on behalf of the diocese with other denominations such as Roman Catholics and Baptists. As a group, the different churches can work together on partnership projects such as church marquees at the annual Essex Show.

Mrs French is also a member of the organising party for the pilgrimage march to St Peter's on the Wall at Bradwell. All her work is unpaid.

Mrs French said: "You do not have to be a member of the cathedral to become a canon, it just so happens I am.

"Three others and I will be installed in January when we are presented to the bishop.

"We do not have to wear a uniform in our role so they have designed an academic-style dress with badges of the church for the ceremony. During the ceremony we will have to promise to abide by the statutes and laws of the church.

Dedicated - Eileen French who will shortly be made a canon

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