THE new minister at Beath and Cowdenbeath North Church intends to become a well kent face in the town in 2019.

Debbie Dobby might have only taken on the North charge less than a few weeks ago but already she has settled in very quickly and likes the real 'sense of care' she can feel emanating from the congregation.

Rev Dobby takes over from David Redmayne, who spent 17 years as the kirk's minister, having replaced Rev Peter Rae who was there several decades.

Having been a teacher in Aberdeenshire for many years, Debbie felt the need to answer the call to the ministry four years ago and was ordained in October 2014 as minister of Burra Doyle Isle and Tingwall Churches in the Shetlands.

Said Debbie: "It was a fantastic experience and one that I will never forget but myself and husband Brian wanted to come back to the mainland and when I came down to visit Cowdenbeath and Lumphinnans, I felt almost immediately that this was the right place for me.

"I felt the warmth and real sense of care about the members of the congregation that I met and that has been underlined at the services I have taken."

Brian is also a minister and he has just taken over as the new person in the pulpit at Rosyth Parish Church.

Added Lancashire lady Debbie: "It has been an amazing few weeks as we have both found ourselves successful in getting new positions and we are looking forward to serving our new church communities.

"2019 is going to be an important year as I hope to develop strong links with Lumphinnans Primary School and also with people and organisations in the Cowdenbeath-Lumphinnans area.

"I want to meet people and see what I might be able to help them with in any way, for it is important that the church reaches out to the community it serves."

Debbie and Brian have son Sam, 24, who lives and works in Derby; and daughter Hannah, 22, who is starting work with Edinburgh Council.

Away from the pulpit Debbie enjoys walking the couple's pet greyhounds, Baillie and Betsy, and also embroidery and craft work.

She concluded: "I am really looking forward to Christmas time at Beath and Cowdenbeath North and also working with the our congregation and the community in general in 2019."