A NEW church deacon says she has enjoyed getting to know the Rose Hill community during her first month in her role.

Carole Smith joined Rose Hill Methodist Church in September in what is her first appointment as a minister after completing two years’ training at the Queen’s Foundation in Birmingham.

The 54-year-old, originally from Sheffield, worked with the NHS blood donor service before her training.

Miss Smith said: “I feel really glad to come to Rose Hill. I think it has changed a lot in the last two years from what people say.

“There is a very positive feel with the regeneration project.

“There is a lot going on in the community and it is great being a part of that.” She added: “It is a very diverse community now and it has been interesting speaking to people who have lived here for 40 years and people who have moved in more recently.

“I have been to a Nepalese celebration and an Eid party so far, both of which were fantastic.”

Miss Smith has taken over from Stephen Richardson.