WHEN Carol Stone made her first appearance in the pulpit since becoming a woman she received a standing ovation from the 100 strong congregation.

The touching show of support for sex change vicar Reverend Stone followed an angry outburst from an elderly lady.

Just before Sunday's 10.30am service was due to start a grey haired woman seated towards the front of St Philip's Church in Stratton began shouting at the vicar.

When she refused to leave her seat she was escorted out by two members of the congregation.

Rev Stone said afterwards: "It would have been naive of me to assume that everyone would be as happy as others are and that is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life."

Addressing her congregation for the first time in three months, she said she had spent a long time planning the landmark sermon.

She told the congregation: "For some three months I have been languishing in the vicarage planning for today.

"This sermon hasn't been just three months in the making, if the truth be told, I've been waiting to write it for the best part of 23 years never dreaming I might."

Joking that her nerves made her feel like a young curate again, Rev Stone spoke of the journeys undertaken by herself and her congregation. She told them: "Just last night I came into the church and stood here and tried to imagine how it would be where the strength would come from.

"And as I stand here I am also very aware that these specific three months have acted like an island in the middle of a fast flowing river.

"The river of our journey together has parted for that time. You could not be there for me when I woke from the anaesthetic and I could not be there for you in your joys and sorrows.

"Today the flow of that mighty river has come together but like Pooh sticks chasing each other under the bridge we need to catch each other up. We must take time for one another and do just that."

Michael Ennis, 72, of Elmswood has been a member of the congregation for more than seven years. He said he fully supported Ms Stone and praised her courage.

"She has overcome the biggest hurdle she is ever likely to face.''

Martin Avery, 41, a member of four years said the service was tremendous. James Greenslade, 39, agreed. He said it was wonderful to have the vicar back.

Rev Stone said there was still much work for her to do in Stratton and she would continue to serve as Carol as she did as Peter.

Born Peter Stone, the twice married father-of-one decided to undergo a sex change earlier this year.

With the backing of the Bishop of Bristol, the Right Reverend Barry Rogerson, the operation took place over the summer.