Six chapels for minister Wyn, 22

Wyn Thomas is the second of his farming parents' four children

A 22-year-old farmer's son has become one of the youngest chapel ministers in the UK.

Wyn Thomas is bucking the trend in a role usually taken by an older person at a time when numbers of parishioners are dwindling.

Mr Thomas, from Pontsian, near Lampeter, said it was something he had always wanted to do.

He is responsible for six chapels and also works on his parents' farm.

Howard Hague, of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches which Mr Thomas is a member of, said he understood the minister was one of the youngest in the UK.

Ordained into the church in August, Mr Thomas said his career would be a challenge.

Members of my chapels haven't said I'm too young, in fact, they've been wonderful and have treated me like I'm their son The Reverend Wyn Thomas

"It's going to be a big challenge with church and chapel numbers dwindling, but all I want to do is to make sure the chapel is available for people," he said.

Mr Thomas is one of only two full-time Unitarian ministers in Wales, and the other is almost at retirement age.

"It's something I've always wanted to do," he said. "It is strange to have a minister so young, because most are retiring age or switching careers later in life. Very few are young.

"But the members of my chapels haven't said I'm too young, in fact, they've been wonderful and have treated me like I'm their son."

"My parents have a dairy and sheep farm so I do the milking and chair the local young farmers' club, as well as prepare for services," he said.

Mr Hague said: "It's less usual now for people to enter the church so young.

"Most of our ministerial students are older, and there is also a shortage of ministers who can speak Welsh to serve congregations in certain parts of Wales."