A former bus driver has been ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Derry.

Stephen Baxter received the sacrament of holy orders at St Columb's Church in the Waterside area of the city on Sunday, with Bishop Dónal McKeown presiding.

His ordination comes less than a year after he was made a deacon. Family members including his parents, Charlie and Sadie Baxter, who are from Newtowncunningham, attended the ceremony.

Bishop McKeown said the church faces challenging times and noted that the past week had reflected both uplifting religious observance and civil disorder. He pointed to a national Rosary Rally at Knock, the feast of St Columba, a Eucharistic Marian Procession and the conclusion of a Cursillo weekend, while also referencing rioting and destruction mainly in Belfast.

The Diocese of Derry described the day as one of great joy and thanksgiving, giving thanks for Fr Baxter’s generous response to his calling. Long Tower parish also extended congratulations and wished him every blessing in his ministry.