TWO Borders men have taken major steps towards the holy priesthood after being admitted to the ministry of lector by Archbishop Leo Cushley at the Pontifical Scots College in Rome last week.

Bobby Taylor from Galashiels, who is a former presenter on Radio Borders, and Martin Eckersley from Jedburgh have both answered the calling.

Archbishop Cushley said: "“With the ministry of lector, the Church affirms those it calls by bestowing upon you a position which reflects your growing relationship with Jesus Christ and Holy Scripture – this is a first but significant step towards the holy Priesthood.

“Such affirmation, however, also invites you to continue to prove yourself worthy of the call of the Church and to continue to demonstrate a growing devotion to the Word of God.”

The new lectors were joined by their fellows Scots College students, Christopher Doig of the Diocese of Aberdeen and Joseph McGill of the Diocese of Paisley.