THREE local worshippers have been honoured with a diocese award for their unstinting service to the church and community.

Dr Derek Glover and Mark Sanderson of Ross-on-Wye Parish and Susan Morris from the Whitchurch Parish were among nearly 30 recipients of the Order of St Ethelbert, presented by the Bishop of Hereford Rt Rev Richard Jackson at Hereford Cathedral.

Dr Glover’s award was: "For faithful ministry as a reader with wide pastoral responsibilities including voluntary hospital chaplaincy and worship in care homes, and for work with the unemployed and homeless."

Mr Sanderson’s citation read: "For over 25 years as director of music at St Mary’s, actively promoting musical outreach in the community; leading on church reordering and lighting; initiating IT and digital outreach for church and community; organising art and photography exhibitions and the town’s Christmas tree festival."

And Mrs Morris, a churchwarden at St Dubricius, received her award: "For tireless work in church and community; churchwarden, leading music, worship and work with children’s activities; parish councillor and school governor; Community Coffee co-ordinator and lunch club supervisor."

Ross-on-Wye rector Rev Sean Semple said: "The Ross Benefice offers its congratulations to Derek Glover and Mark Sanderson who were awarded the Order of St Ethelbert by Bishop Richard in Hereford Cathedral on Sunday afternoon.

"The award is given for long and distinguished service to the church and community and both Derek and Mark are shining examples of such dedication."

A post on the St Dubricius church Facebook page said: "Congratulations to our Churchwarden, Sue, who received the award of St Ethelbert from Bishop Richard in the cathedral yesterday.

"Well deserved for all her hard work in our church and in the local community."

Mrs Morris replied: "I really appreciate all of the lovely messages, but the award goes to everyone in St. Dubricius and the local community. We all try to look out for each other."

The Order was founded in 2015 as a means of recognising and honouring women and men from the parishes of the diocese and beyond who have supported and nurtured the Christian ministry of the diocese in many and devoted ways.

Each recipient received a signed certificate from Bishop Richard, a St Ethelbert medal and ribbon and a copy of the book St Ethelbert, King and Martyr.

Born in East Anglia, St Ethelbert was king of the East Angles and journeyed to Mercia to seek a dynastic marriage.

Arriving in this area, he was received well at the court of King Offa, but then became involved in political intrigue and was beheaded by order of Offa on May 21, 794, at Marden, five miles north of Hereford.

He is buried in Hereford Cathedral which became a focus of pilgrimage for centuries after his death, and today it is dedicated to him alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary.