A "REV test" is ready to put would-be priests on the fast track to ministry with a run out in Hereford diocese.

For the first time ever, four young people are being invited to the diocese to try out ministry for a year.

Initial applications will be considered as soon as next week.

The scheme is called "Discover" and - from September - will help the four to work full-time in ministry, living together in Hereford, based in parishes, and given appropriate support and finance.

Rev Neil Patterson, vicar of Weston-under-Penyard and in charge of the scheme, said "Discover" was intended as a means for young people - between 18-29 - to find support in their "vocational journey" into the Church of England (CofE).

“If you are wondering whether going into the church is for you or whether working in a parish is what you want to do, then this is a chance to test it out in a rural area," he said.

Parish placements - also called internships or parish assistants- are recognised by the CofE as as an important element in support for young people with a sense of calling to ministry.

Participants will stay free at a shared house in Hereford, with a weekly allowance provided by the Diocese.

“The central part of the year is the placement in a particular church where they will be able to help with worship and other parish work,” said Rev Patterson.

“They could be involved in school work or community groups, possibly with christenings and wedding couples and certainly opportunities for individual projects to develop over the year," he said.

Those taking part will be enrolled within the teaching programme of the West of England Ministerial Training Course (WEMTC), which takes place in Ludlow each week, to provide for theological study.