The diocese of Ely and Cambridgeshire is preparing for a special celebration.

The event will mark the 30th anniversary of the Church of England ordaining women as priests.

This milestone, which occurred on May 28, 1994, will be commemorated with a service at Ely Cathedral on November 9 at 3pm.

Many of the women who were ordained at that landmark service are expected to attend.

The Ely diocese has played a major role in the ordination of women over the last 30 years and has the highest number of female incumbents of any diocese.

Canon Jessica Martin - Ely Cathedral Canon Jessica Martin - Ely Cathedral (Image: Submitted)

However, women still make up less than half of all those ordained.

The acting Bishop of Ely, Bishop Dagmar Winter will preside over the service, with music provided by the Ely Cathedral Girl Choristers.

The preacher for the service, Canon Jessica Martin, who is about to become Chelmsford Cathedral’s first female dean, said: “It’s an honour to be part of a conference, and then a service, celebrating thirty years since women have been able to become priests.

"Later generations of priests, such as my own, owe that first generation so much.

"We will be celebrating the richness, diversity and creativity of what women have brought to the priestly vocation both in the conference and in the service – and toasting the original women in fizz."

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On November 8, a day conference titled "Hope of our Calling" will be hosted by Great St Mary’s in Cambridge.

The event will include keynote addresses and seminars focusing on the contributions of women to the church.

Attendees will hear from speakers including the Reverend Dr Isabelle Hamley, the first female principal of Ridley Hall, and the Right Reverend Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Bishop of Croydon.

Tickets for the conference can be booked through the Great St Mary’s website.