Former Sheldon School pupil Lucy Wright is set to become one of the UK’s youngest clergy when she is ordained in Chippenham next week at the age of 23.

Miss Wright decided she wanted to join the ministry while studying theology at university in Wales and took a three year placement at Bristol Baptist College becoming the youngest student ever.

She said: “This is something that feels right and I have had so much support from a lot of people.

“I know it is quite unusual for a woman of my age to enter the profession but I feel ready and want to take up this challenge.

“I am excited to be taking up the post and look forward to taking on all that comes with the job.”

While studying at the Baptist college, Miss Wright took up a placement in Brazil where she witnessed first-hand the job of the church in some of the country’s poorest slums.

She said: “That was a real eye-opener and a wonderful trip – I learned a lot from it about how the church can help in the toughest situations.”

After she is ordained on August 22 by retired regional minister of the West of England Baptist Association Geoff Birch, she will take up the position of associate minister at Worcester Park Baptist Church in Surrey on September 5.