A packed service welcomed in the town's first ever female methodist minister.

On September 4 ministers from across Loughton's churches and the London Forest Circuit to welcome Reverend Susan Creighton to her new ministry at Loughton Methodist Church.

The sermon was preached by the Revd Nigel Cowgill, district chair and superintendent of Forest Circuit, with Revd Hilary Cheng presiding over proceedings.

A civic welcome was given by the mayor of Loughton Councillor Stephen Murray.

He said: "I was delighted to be able to give Sue a very warm welcome to Loughton and to the church which has been my family church for over 64 years.

"It was also good to be able to tell Sue that she will be the first female Methodist minister in Loughton for 145 years since Edward Pope started Methodism in Loughton in the former Congregationalist tin chapel in England's Lane in May 1873.

"Even more importantly I was able to use this occasion to pass on the thanks of the Town Council for everything the church and Christian community do for the residents of Loughton".

The Mayor presented Revd Creighton with the latest edition of the map of Epping Forest.