THE Salvation Army's Penarth branch have announced that two new church leaders have begun their roles within the location organisation.

Corps officers Major Maria-Rosa Kent and Captain Mark Kent began in their new posts on Sunday, February 25.

The couple are replacing the Salvation Army's previous church leaders in Penarth, Captains Lorraine and Andrew Warriner, who had run the organisation locally since 2015.

The pair's roles within the local branch will be to carry out duties typically taken on by members of the clergy, however they will also be extended to undertake further responsibilities aiding people in the community.

Their roles can involve supporting families of the bereaved, working with homeless and disadvantaged people and visiting local schools.

The couple have recently moved to Penarth, after previously heading up The Salvation Army's hall in Pentre in Rhondda. Mr Kent is originally from Newcastle, while Mrs Kent comes from Uruguay.

They previously spent 10 years running a medical centre together for The Salvation Army in Paraguay, and Mrs Kent has also spent time serving the organisation in both Uruguay and Argentina.

Major Maria-Rosa Kent said: “We are both excited to be taking up our new positions, to be going out and getting to know the people of Penarth (and) to becoming part of that community and serving it in the best way we can.

“The Salvation Army is an international Christian Church and charity dedicated to caring for people who are vulnerable or in need in every community.

"The Salvation Army in Penarth is no different, and we are here when you need us, offering compassionate support and practical help.”

Penarth’s Salvation Army hall can be found at 101a Plassey Street, where they host a range of different events and activities across each week.

Every Sunday, the organisation hosts a morning worship, Sunday School takes place for children aged between three and 11 and there is also an evening worship.

On Wednesdays the hall hosts a coffee and chat session and a lunch club for over 55s, while on Thursdays there is a parent and toddler group.

And on one Saturday each month, the organisation hosts a different social event.

For more information about The Salvation Army in Penarth, visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/penarth, or alternatively, you can contact the organisation at 02920 700858.