Why the CofE is working to attract more clergy to the North East

"There's a new atmosphere". That was the verdict of one churchgoer, following the arrival of two new vicars at the Church of St Mary Magdalene in Billingham.

The congregation had been without a permanent priest for well over a year. Now, the church has combined with others in Billingham, to be served by two brand new clergy.

Laura Jane McWilliams is one of the two new faces at the helm. She says her decision to choose a post in Billingham was simple.

Laura Jane may not have been put off by the location of her new parish but the Church of England has struggled to attract clergy to some parts of the North East. In extreme cases, some parishes have been without a vicar for two or three years.

The Bishop of Jarrow is concerned that, as a result, the Church has been unable to fully serve some communities.

The Bishop believes some people have been put off by out-dated images of the North East as geographically remote and run-down.

He says the answer lies partly in bringing potential clergy to the region, so they can see the area for themselves.

The problem of vacant posts is not confined to urban areas. Despite being advertised nationally on a number of occasions, the rural parish of Middleton-in-Teesdale remains empty after more than a year.

The search for a new minister there goes on.

Watch my full report on the subject here: