A Norfolk convent has welcomed five prospective Sisters, almost doubling its numbers.

The additions to the Daughters of Divine Charity brings the total number at the Swaffham convent from seven to 12.

Two novices, Sister Mary Goncalves and Sister Anna Yeo, were admitted to the order on the same day as two Sisters – Sister Renata Pivarnikova and Sister Michaela Switaj – took their first vows at a Mass celebrated by the Bishop of East Anglia at Our Lady of Pity church in Swaffham.

The ceremony is usually private but an exception was made because it marked the first addition to the order from England for almost 40 years.