A former publican has become Brighton and Hove's first openly gay church minister.

Mark James, 64, was ordained into the Corinthian Church on Friday.

He hopes to increase the number of blessings given to gay couples.

The Corinthian Church was set up in Hailsham in 1993 and has around 80 ministries nationwide.

The church aims to promote and teach spiritual healing.

Mr James said: "I have never made it a secret I am gay and I will be the first openly gay minister in Brighton.

"I will be there to help the gay community and, although they can't marry, I will be able to do blessings."

He added: "I will be running a healing clinic for the gay community.

"There are people suffering from HIV and Aids who need a lot of help and there is no charge for healing.

"We never say, 'We can heal you', we just try to make people's lives easier."

Mr James used to work at the St James's Tavern in Brighton.