ROYSTON Parish Church has a new curate – and she is already working hard to get involved with the community. The Rev Barbara Johnson will be assisting vicar, the Rev Leslie Harman. The Rev Johnson is also service chaplain for the Bedfordshire and Luton Fi

ROYSTON Parish Church has a new curate - and she is already working hard to get involved with the community.

The Rev Barbara Johnson will be assisting vicar, the Rev Leslie Harman.

The Rev Johnson is also service chaplain for the Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service as part of the BA Hons degree in theology and ministry she is studying for at St John's College in Nottingham.

"I have worked out on the pumps," she said. "Its great to see what the fire-fighters do because these are people that risk their lives every day.

"I was on a work placement with the service when the two fire-fighters were killed in Stevenage.

"It was devastating and I wanted to be able to help those affected.

"That's why I became a service chaplain. I am a shoulder to cry on, a presence in the work place."

At 62, the Rev Johnson comes from a personnel management background, having worked for the Civil Service for 37 years as well as the Job Centre, a bank and the Inland Revenue.

"I hope to get to know the people of Royston," she said.

"I love working with people and want to be there for people both in the church and the community."

She was among 13 new clergy who were ordained at St Albans Abbey last month.