A former regional reporter who left journalism to become a priest has been ordained after seven years of training.

Father Richard Marsden worked as a Corby-based reporter at the Northants Telegraph, formerly the Evening Telegraph, between 2007 and 2010.

While working at the Telegraph he attended St Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, in Kettering, and later decided to leave the regional press industry to follow his religious vocation.

Richard, pictured, undertook the bulk of his training at the Venerable English College, a seminary in Rome.

He was ordained into the priesthood during a service at Middlesbrough Cathedral on 21 July watched by hundreds of friends, family and parishioners from his birthplace in Hull.

Richard will now take up a post at the cathedral as assistant priest to Bishop Terence Drainey.

Northants Telegraph Corby reporter Kate Cronin said: “Richard is a total one-off. While he worked here he was known for loving everything to do with Hull and was a passionate Yorkshireman as well as a huge fan of sport.

“He has a spendidly dry sense of humour and was a dedicated reporter but he was also clearly devoted to the Catholic church. He had a great rapport with our team and with the people of Corby. It was an honour to attend his ordination.

“I am sure he will make a fabulous priest and will use the lessons he learned about poverty, community spirit and overcoming adversity while working in Corby to help him in his ministry. You can leave Corby, but a little part of Corby always stays with you.”

Richard completed his journalism training at the University of Sheffield and has also written for The Universe.