THE chief executive of a North-East council has taken on a dual role by becoming a curate in Tynedale.

The Rev. Gill Alexander, who is the serving chief executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, has joined the benefice of Haydon Bridge and Beltingham and Henshaw.

Ms Alexander is already well-known in Tynedale, having carried out several roles at Hexham Abbey, where she was a church warden, lay chairman of the parochial church council and chairman of the Hexham Abbey Heritage Trust.

Now, after being ordained on June 24, she will assist Haydon Bridge vicar, the Rev. Benjamin Carter.

In doing so, Ms Alexander will become the first curate in the benefice for several years.

She said: “I am really delighted to be the new curate here and to work with Benjamin.

“There are some exciting things happening in the benefice. I’m privileged to be part of it and I’m already starting to get to know members of the congregation.”

Despite her high profile day job, which she has carried out since 2015, Ms Alexander insists she will have sufficient time for both roles.

“Growing up, my nana used to say you only have time for what you make time for,” she recalled.

“Ordained ministry is about being a servant to a community and that is what a council chief executive is as well.”

Born in South Shields, Ms Alexander studied English at the University of Birmingham and worked in the voluntary sector, before moving into local government.

She has lived in Tynedale for 15 years and admitted her involvement at Hexham Abbey influenced her decision to start training for ministry three years ago.

Ms Alexander explained: “During his time as Rector of Hexham, Graham Usher, who is now the Bishop of Dudley, was very supportive of my following this route.”