TWO residents have been elected as the churchwardens of St Peter’s Church in Dorchester.

Both Val Potter and Russell Dawson attended a special service on Friday (June 14) at St Martin’s Church.

The pair were formally admitted to the office of churchwarden by the Archdeacon of Sherborne The Ven Penny Sayer.

Val Potter said: “We are there to keep the church life going by both looking after the church building and making sure the services and all the events continue to happen.

“The marvellous thing about St Peter’s Church is that there are a lot of people who will help out and do their bit.

“But the churchwardens are there to encourage and make sure things happen.

“We’re looking forward to major works at the church in the future. The heating and disabled access both need major works. We will help by getting that project off the ground and making sure people are involved with the project, so the church can become more welcoming and open to the people of the town.

“Both Russell and I are very much looking forward to it. It feels very worthwhile and good to support both Revd Claire McClelland and the congregation of St Peter’s Church.”

This will be the third time Mrs Potter has been elected as the churchwarden of St Peter’s Church, while Russell will be taking up the position for the first time.