BRAMHOPE teenagers have welcomed the woman who is about to spice up church life for youngsters with an afternoon tea party.

Kathryn Elliott, 49, who has been appointed as Christian youth worker met with teenagers over tea and cakes at St Giles Parish Church.

Mrs Elliott, who has three children - Elizabeth, 23, Matthew, 21, and John, 16 - will be working closely with youngsters to tailor worship and church activities to their needs.

The supply teacher said: "The young people seem to want to have fun meeting up with their friends doing sporting and other activities but they also want to have some Christian input as well and feel that what is on offer to them at the moment isn't right for them." Mrs Elliott, of Roper Avenue, Gledhow, said she is raring to get her teeth into the project, which is being funded jointly by St Giles Parish Church and the Methodist Church.

She said: "I have been doing supply teaching for the last year and I felt that it was time for a fresh challenge. I saw the advertisement in a Christian magazine and I thought this is how I can use my skills and at the same time follow up my youth work - it seemed to fit the bill. I am looking forward to it getting under way."

The youth worker, who is also training to be a reader with St Edmonds Church, in Roundhay, was interviewed by the youngsters themselves as part of the selection process.

Mrs Elliott, who has also worked at youth holiday camps and as a Sunday School teacher, said: "I wasn't just taken on by the committee but by some representatives of the young people so they had a say in who was appointed. It was good that they gave their opinion - at least I know they wanted me."

The Rev David Robinson, Vicar of St Giles, said: "We are looking forward to her working with our young people. We are pleased that she is in post.

"She has been visiting the two churches and getting to know the young people before their first meeting in March."

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