The Diocese of Chichester has created a new role to care for and increase the number of women in ordained and lay ministry.

Canon Julia Peaty was licensed as Dean of Women's Ministry during Evensong at Chichester Cathedral on Sunday.

Canon Julia has been Curate at St Swithun's East Grinstead in West Sussex since her ordination in 1999.

She has been Rural Dean of East Grinstead since May 2010 and was made a Canon in September of the same year.

For some years, she has been an adviser for women's ministry in the Diocese of Chichester.

The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, said: "Canon Julia's new post will give her by right a place at the Bishop's staff meeting and on the Bishop's Council, together with a clear description of her role in ensuring that women in ordained and lay ministry are recognised, valued, and increased in number.

"I am delighted that she will continue in this new post with enhanced profile and opportunities."

The Dean of Chichester the Very Reverend Nicholas Frayling, said: "It is very important to affirm the ministry of women priests in the Diocese of Chichester, and we at the Cathedral were delighted to host this event.

"Julia Peaty brings great gifts to her new role and I am sure this will be a real encouragement to the very gifted women whose ministry is greatly valued in our diocese."