IT will be an exciting new year for a clergywoman from Farnworth as she takes on a new role at a church group.

Reverend Jane Greenhalgh will be installed as the new associate rector of the Seven Saints Team — a group of four Church of England churches serving Great Lever and New Bury in Farnworth.

Reverend Greenhalgh, whose background includes working with the homeless and people who have been released from prison, will carry out regular school visits and work with disadvantaged members of the community as part of her role.

She will also help spread the message of God to people who might otherwise not go to church.

Reverend Greenhalgh, aged 50, said: "I'm really excited about this new role. This is an opportunity to work in area where I can bring a lot to the community.

"This role is about taking God out into the community and make people understand that some of the opinions they may have about religion may be misconceptions."

Reverend Greenhalgh was born in Bolton and moved to London in the 1980s, before returning to her hometown in 2000.

Her previous roles include a housing director and a housing officer.

She has been a Trustee for Greater Manchester Council for Voluntary Organisations and a trustee for The Operetta Company, while she is also an active volunteer at the Farnworth and Kearsley Foodbank.

Reverend Greenhalgh will be licensed on Sunday at 3pm at St Simon & St Jude's School, Great Lever.