School children within Amber Valley can look forward to the songs, drama, art, story-telling and conjuring tricks of Gary Stirling as he officially begins his new role as Children's Worker for the charity Valley CIDS (Christians in Derbyshire Schools).

Gary has moved from Wales to Derbyshire to begin his new job, which involves sharing the Christian faith with children, and will be officially commissioned to the role by the Bishop of Derby, The Rt Rev'd Jonathan Bailey, this weekend.

Described by the charity's executive director Dorothy Whitaker as multi-talented and highly gifted, Gary has already made a start in assemblies, school lessons, clubs and churches.

Gary is clear about his mission: "People hear such negative, wrong things about Jesus, but I like to show the reality of him, like fun, excitement, real happiness and living life to the full," he said.

The service to commission Gary will be held All Saints Church, Ripley, on Saturday, November 16th at 2.15pm, making his appointment official and providing a time and place for Valley CIDs and other supporters to wish him well.

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