TOUGH tackling former Forest rugby player Tony Jones is all set for a new challenge – on Sunday he will be ordained as a deacon at Gloucester Cathedral.

Mr Jones, of Almond Walk, Lydney, will continue to assist at Lydney's St Mary's Parish Church before becoming a priest next year.

On Saturday another local person, Patricia Cox, of Coleford and Staunton, who became a deacon last year, will be ordained as a Church of England priest.

Mr Jones will be ordained by the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Rev David Bentley.

A well known former sportsman and businessman, Mr Jones played rugby for Lydney and Berry Hill and cricket for Lydney.

He was well known for his deadly tackling. Now aged 57, he has run a business in Lydney for many years and is a master locksmith.

He is also well known as a former member of Lydney's town band.