The role of child bishop dates back hundreds of years.

All Saints Church in Midland Road, Wellingborough, is looking for a child from Years 6 to 11 to take on some of the responsibilities of bishop over the festive season by helping with blessings and readings.

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Father Tony Lynedd, of All Saints' Church, said the role was a great opportunity for young Christians.

He said: "I think it could bolster a child's confidence quite a lot and it should be a very rewarding experience.

"It will also be an opportunity for grown-ups to learn from a child and to think about the world in a more innocent, childlike way."

Father Lynedd said: "It is sort of handing over some of the power that a bishop would normally exercise to a child. It is a reverse of the normal hierarchical system so it is saying that we have to remember the other side of things and all be like children sometimes."

The church is looking for a child who is happy to represent their faith and join in with ceremonies.

Father Lynedd said plenty of training and guidance would be given so those applying for the role would not need to be experts in Christianity, and readings would be simple and suitable for children.

Many cathedral cities still have child bishops but this will be a first for Wellingborough.

The church is also inviting younger children from Years 4 and 5 to become child canons, who will assist the child bishop.

Traditionally, the position was called boy bishop and was only open to boys but All Saints' Church is moving with the times and making the role open to boys and girls.

Local schools with links to the church are being asked to encourage children to apply for the roles.

If you know someone who you think would like to be a child bishop or child canon you can contact All Saints' Church office on 01933 278484 or email here.