Vicar Carol Stone prepared to face the world today just a few months after having a sex change operation.

Talking exclusively to the Evening Advertiser ahead of a press conference, the 46-year-old said she has been given a new beginning.

"What I have always felt on the inside and my appearance on the outside has come together now," she said.

"There is now a deep sense of relief that I have gone through with the operation. It is something I have always been waiting for and it feels very normal and very right."

Born Peter Stone, the twice married father-of-one who serves at St Philip's Church, Upper Stratton, has always had a lifelong wish to become a woman.

When the Evening Advertiser first broke the story in June, she said that from a young child she would pray to God to wake up as a girl.

Rev Stone decided in January to have "gender reassignment" and wrote to the Bishop of Bristol, the Reverend Barry Rogerson, of her plans. He gave her his backing and the operation took place over the summer.

She is planning to return to parish duties on Sunday but has already met many of her parishioners who she says have given her overwhelming support.

"I have had to change my name and I have a changed body but the heart and the soul is as it has always been. I think that is one of the most important things that people have said. They recognise that I am still the person that I have always been," she said.

"My parishioners were very pleased to see me and very happy for me. They have asked how I am and I have been able to tell them there is a very deep sense of inner peace that I feel now and the excitement of being able to continue in a new me.

"I am very encouraged by the people I have met and am looking forward to continuing my ministry.

"I am also deeply grateful for all the support and encouragement given to me during my convalescence by my congregation, professional colleagues, family and friends and especially my GP."

After the last few months of waiting and emotion, Rev Stone says she is now looking forward to Christmas and to getting on with life.

"In a sense there is now a new beginning for me. But in another sense it is a continuation of what I am and who I have represented. It is a brand new start but also business as normal," she said.

"I am looking to the future now and to getting on with all that I have always done."