Peter Skellern’s lifelong ambition to become a priest has been fulfilled.

The musician, who lives near Fowey, was ordained as a priest after special permission was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Peter, 69, first dreamed of ordination as a nine-year-old, but during his career as a musician he never found the time.

More than two years ago he finally began preparing for ordination – but then he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

Bishop of Truro The Right Reverend Tim Thornton suggested Peter carried on, and a special faculty from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, enabled Bishop Tim to carry out Peter’s ordination at St Wyllows Church in Lanteglos-by-Fowey last weekend.

More than 120 of Peter’s friends and family including his wife Diana were there. ‘It was wonderful,’ said Peter.