A CONGREGATION of over 1,000 will witness the Rt Rev Peter Hancock's installation as the 79th Bishop of Bath & Wells at Wells Cathedral on Saturday (June 7).

Bishop Peter said: “I’m excited and daunted at the prospect of beginning my ministry as Bishop of Bath & Wells.

“The history of this diocese and the long list of bishops who have gone before me is something I’ll be reflecting deeply upon as I take up the office.”

The service will include historic and symbolic rituals – Bishop Peter will strike the cathedral’s west door three times with his staff before being granted entry, and will then be greeted by a child before the Dean of Wells gives the formal welcome and legal declarations are made.

Kneeling at the nave sanctuary steps, Bishop Peter will be anointed with consecrated oil by his archdeacons and receive the episcopal ring from the Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Peter Maurice.

Later he will be cloaked in a cope and led to his throne before preaching his first sermon in the diocese.

Bishop Peter said: “My role is to share God’s love with others and to foster a growing, flourishing church in every community across the Diocese of Bath & Wells.”