The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, ordained six people as new Church of England deacons on Saturday during a special Petertide ordinations service at Canterbury Cathedral.

The six new deacons are Chris Denyer, a primary school teacher; Mark Pavey, a chaplain to a young offenders’ unit; Paulette Stubbings, an HR professional turned self-employed face-painter; Peter Newell, a music and RE teacher; Stephen Plumb, a Church Army evangelist; and Steven Sivyer, a professional musician and former head teacher. Ten others were ordained priest at a Cathedral service later the same day.

Before the service the Archbishop met the new deacons to encourage and pray for them. The Archbishop and the Bishop of Dover, Trevor Willmott, then ordained them during the special service. The Revd Dr Will Lamb, vice-principal of Westcott House, preached the sermon.

Around 1000 men and women will be ordained into the Church of England this summer to minister in communities across the country. To mark the occasion the CofE has published new video and audio faith stories, and is encouraging Twitter users to shares pictures using the hashtag #NewRevs.

[[NEWREVS]]

The #NewRevs come from a wide range of backgrounds and include a former professional wrestler and a steam engine driver. One prison chaplain in Southwark will be ordained in prison, in what's believed to be the first service of its kind.

Within the Church of England there are three stages of ordained ministry: deacons, priests and bishops. Following training at theological college, newly ordained deacons are appointed to a three to four year post of curate, for training alongside an experienced vicar. After one year, deacons are ordained priest.

Meet one of the #NewRevs:

Dianne Gamble worked at the National Railway Museum in York for 18 years, qualifying as an engine driver before training for the ministry. She tells her story in this film recorded at the NRM: