Burley-in-Wharfedale Methodist Church finally has a new minister to preside over its radically revamped building.

Due to a shortage of available candidates the church, which completed a £630,000 redevelopment in 2002, has been without a resident minister since Reverend Philip Macdonald left last summer.

But now Rev Helen Harrell, 38, has been appointed as Rev Macdonald's successor. Currently minister at Acomb in the York (South) Methodist Circuit, Rev Harrell will take up her duties in Burley at the beginning of the new Methodist year in September.

In her new role she will also be in charge of the linked churches at Norwood and Timble. Formerly involved in both shipping administration and counselling work for those leaving the coal industry, Rev Harrell began her ministry in York in 1998.

A member of the Council of Christians and Jews, she also studied aspects of Islam during her theological training.

A former school governor, Rev Harrell enjoys working with young people and leading "all age" worship, and says she will be keen to develop community links in the area.

Her hobbies include dining out, the theatre and exercising in the gym. Until September, the Methodist Church will continue to be looked after by Rev Hamer Savage, a retired minister from Cookridge, Leeds.