The fully-fledged member of Team Clergy in Tenbury Wells, hasn't yet touched reality since being ordained as a non stipendiary priest by the Bishop of Hereford last month. "It was awesome, joyful and terrifying all rolled into one and I haven't yet come down from the clouds," said the Rev Susan Foster. A mother of three teenage daughters, Mrs Foster (pictured, right) talks to JEN GREEN about her new role.

NEWLY ordained in the 10th anniversary year since women became eligible to enter the priesthood, the Rev Sue Foster quizzically touched her dog-collar.

"I have been wearing this since I was a Deacon," she said.

"It took me 15 months to get used to it but now I am more aware of its symbolism and, more importantly, it spiritually reminds me of who I am now." She is, of course, a newly ordained priest, having already given up a career as a doctor. Now she will be concerned with caring for people on a spiritual basis rather than a medical one,

"It still takes a bit of getting used to and I am just overwhelmed," she said.

" I've yet to come down from the clouds and touch reality.

"At first I felt uncertain at giving up my part-time work as a GP .

"When I became a deacon 15 months ago, the symbolism and awareness at what I was undertaking also left me feeling uncertain at times .

"Now I know it is a great privilege to be doing what God has called me to do."

Born and bought up a Methodist in Chester-le-Street, Mrs Foster trained in medicine at Nottingham Medical School, spending six months as junior house doctor on vocational training at Mansfield Hospital. "I enjoyed everything I did and that's why I ended up in general practice," she explained.

For 16 years she has worked part-time in Tenbury - her husband Dr Nick Foster is a partner at the Teme Street surgery.

"I have already let go and I miss the work and most of all, the patients," she says.

"They have contributed to what and who I am now and, over the years, have quite simply enriched me."

Her patients miss her too. One of them, Val Chaplain, said: "We really do miss her as our doctor and confidante but if she is doing what she wants then we wish her all the very best in her new role."

Sunday School leader Alison Price added: "Sue and I were founders of the Sunday School 11 years ago and she will be a tremendous asset to the Tenbury churches.

"It was no surprise she felt called to the ministry; she is a remarkable person, her deep faith and Christian values shine through all she does."

Fortunate to have a family who are right behind her Mrs Foster said: "As long as I am doing what I want to do, they are happy for me, but our girls, Rosie(17), Caroline (15) and Annabell (12), also hope that I won't be out at too many evening meetings."

Welcoming the new member of Team Clergy, the Rev Clare Lording said: "It has been wonderful working with Sue. Both the Rector Alan Jevons and I now look forward to sharing this new, second stage in her ministry."

Audrey Bottomley, church warden at St Mary's Burford, has nothing but praise for Mrs Foster.

"She is most welcome and I am full of admiration at her ability to study, work part-time as a GP and bring up three wonderful daughters," she said.

"She works hard in the community and can be relied on to deliver a wonderful sermon."

But it's not only Church of England worshippers that sing her praises.

Methodist Minister Paul Gates confirmed: "We are particularly pleased about Sue Foster's ordination. "Many in the congregation hold her in high regard from her time as a doctor to the pastoral nature of her care.

"There is also a bond between us and Sue, her mother is an active member of Tenbury Methodist Church."