A Buriton man has cited heavenly voices after being ordained during a recent ceremony at Portsmouth Cathedral.

Tom Cooper will serve as curate in Petersfield and Buriton with much of his ministry being at St Mary’s in the latter.

The ascent follows a series of events which included a “message from God” and encouraging words from his wife, Rev Judith Bee and Petersfield vicar Rev Will Hughes.

His attendance at a “significant” Parochial Parish Council meeting also provided a “powerful” sign with Tom describing the period between as “an amazing journey”.

“I spoke to my vicar, Will, who thought I could do it, and that evening I spoke to my wife,” said the Open University lecturer.

“She said if that’s what I wanted to do, then I should do it.

“Our son has grown up, and this would be self-supporting ministry in our church, so it feels manageable.”