A reverend has expressed her “excitement” at being appointed as the first female residentiary canon at a cathedral.

Reverend Abigail Thompson will embark on a role as sub dean of St Albans Cathedral from February 2018.

She is currently vicar of St James, Clifton in Rotherham, and Dean of Women’s ministry for the Diocese of Sheffield.

She graduated in Music at Kings College London and in Theology at Westcott House Cambridge and holds both ABRSM Grade 8 Piano and ABRSM Grade 8 Singing and before ordination was a youth worker and freelance professional singer.

She served her curacy at Sheffield Manor Parish.

Her main responsibility, in collaboration with the whole clergy team, is to ensure and co-ordinate the pastoral care of the congregation.

Rev Thompson said: “I am extremely excited about joining the team at St Alban’s and contributing to the life of the Cathedral.

“I have already been made to feel enormously welcome and look forward with great joy to getting to know the people of this community and praying alongside them.”

The Dean of St Albans added: “Abigail is a highly experienced priest, a very engaging person and an excellent pastor who has worked in some of the church’s most challenging parishes.

“The challenge in St Albans is different but she is superbly qualified to meet it. She will be the first female residentiary canon of the Cathedral, and we very much look forward to welcoming her.”

She will formally be installed as canon on Saturday, February 24 2018.