Eight new deacons have been ordained for parishes across the region.

Their service started with a ceremony at Chichester Cathedral and St Nicholas in Arundel last weekend.

Each candidate has spent months training for their ordination and finding out more about their faith.

Well-wishers gathered to commemorate their ordination service, conducted by the Bishops of Horsham and Lewes

A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Chichester said: "The newly ordained deacons will serve in various parishes throughout East and West Sussex and the city of Brighton and Hove, bringing fresh energy and dedication to their communities they have been called to serve.

"Their roles will involve ministering alongside their parish priests, supporting congregations, and fostering connections between the church and the wider community."

Those ordained were Tom Dare of St Andrew's Furnace Green in Crawley; Carole Darling of Sutton with Seaford; Matt Porter of All Saints in Lindfield; Nat Gillett of St Margaret's in Angmering; Quin Delport of St Matthias in Brighton; Scott Canadas for the Horsham parish; Zoë Eborn of St Peter's with St Michael and All Angels in Bexhill; and Timothy Newton of Arundel with Tortington and South Stoke.

The spokeswoman added: "These celebrations not only honour the personal calling of these individuals but also reflects the Church's ongoing growth and commitment to serving diverse communities across Sussex."