Crowds will fill Welsh cathedrals to greet 40 new priests and deacons starting their service in the Church in Wales.

A government speech-writer, a surveyor, a school librarian, and a choral conductor are among those to be ordained.

They will pledge their service in front of their friends, family, and community members.

Out of the 40 candidates, 19 will be ordained as deacons whilst 21 will be ordained as priests.

The majority are due to be ordained this Saturday, but June 22 had seen eight deacons ordained at Llandaff Cathedral.

Expressing his support, the Archbishop of Wales, Andrew John said: "These are people whose faith has made a real difference to their lives and who want to commit themselves to serving others.

"They bring a wealth of gifts and experience to the Church and we are delighted to welcome and support them.

"I ask you to hold them in your prayers as they begin this new and exciting chapter in their lives."

Significantly, the Diocese of St Asaph and Bangor will celebrate eight new clergy members.

The Bangor service will be held at Bangor Cathedral on June, 29 at 11am where Josie May Godfrey will be ordained as a priest for the Bro Deiniol area.

On the same day at 10am, the St Asaph service will take place at St Asaph Cathedral.

Rebecca Kelly will be ordained as a deacon to serve in the Denbigh Mission Area.

While Emma Dale and Annalise Evans, will serve Alyn Mission Area; Wendy Gardner, Cedewain Mission Area; Kathryn Hall, Estuary & Mountain Mission Area; Hugh Richardson, Hope Street, Wrexham; and Cass Meurig Thomas, Valle Crucis Mission Area, will all begin their service as priests.