The Church of England in Exeter has launched a New Year recruitment drive to encourage more Christians to become school governors.

The "Be A Governor" social media campaign hopes to see 100 critical volunteer positions across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay filled by believers.

Participants will help to steer the vision, ethos and strategy of 133 Anglican schools and academies.

One of the projects key aims is to "Serve people with joy".

Vicar and school governor Rev Kevin Chandra told Premier what the role of a governor entails: "They are in charge of things like ethos, they can be in charge of policies and personnel and finance, and another group of governors check to see that the faith element is working and relevant. 

"There's a whole list of things that we would like to see our schools doing well, and governors get the chance to make sure that that's happening."

Chandra says it's important to have Christians in these places of influence within the school system. 

"There's a lot the Christian faith can offer modern life systems. There's the ethics, there's the philosophy, there's the hope, as well as the love and the serving. And I think Christianity can listen to what's happening on the ground and in people's lives right now.

"You get the chance to share faith in all sorts of imaginative and creative ways is absolutely fantastic.

"It's a very direct way of engaging with our young people."

The Bishop of Crediton, Right Rev Jackie Searle has backed the campaign saying: "Having been a governor at different schools, both as a parent and a vicar, I know how vital governors are to school life and what a rewarding role it can be."

The Church of England in Devon are encouraging Christians from a wide range of backgrounds and careers to bring their skills to help support and educate the next generation.