They were inducted at special service on Sunday July 6 and will serve for three years.

In total there will be 19 Elders serving alongside Rev David Pickering, minister at St Andrew's.

Minister at St Andrew's, David Pickering, said: "Following an election among all St Andrew's Church members, Karen Lamb and Ian MacFadyen have been ordained as first time Elders to serve for three years. Previously ordained Elders Owen Hartley, Colin McIlwain and Betsey Whiting have been re-appointed for three years.

"Elders play a very important part in church life," continued Mr Pickering. "Alongside me as minister, they are the trustees of St Andrew's as a charity and together we exercise oversight of the spiritual life of the church and provide good governance in the running of the church. Elders are elected for three years and then can stand for a further term. After that they stand down for a year before being eligible for re-election."

Karen Lamb said: "This is a really special way to serve God. I am glad to have been called and I look forward to helping St Andrew's grow."

Owen Hartley added: "I've had a year off now and I'm quite looking forward to renewing my service. Amazingly, perhaps, it's great fun."

Rev Pickering added: "For Owen, it's a family tradition. His daughter Helen is already a serving Elder," explained David Pickering.

"We welcome all the Elders – new, returning, and continuing – as we all at St Andrew's serve God in our community of Roundhay."