THE Bishop of Bath and Wells Rt Revd Peter Hancock spent the day in Wellington last week to meet local parents, school children, retailers, business people and decision-makers.

He visited a St John’s CofE Primary School, Court Fields Comprehensive School, high street businesses, Chelston House Farm and Longforth Farm housing development with local councillors.

As well as learning more about this fast-growing town, he experienced and celebrated the close links between the church and the community and the way in which the local church team is responding to the needs of local people.

The day was organised by the Wellington and District Team Ministry, which is comprised of 13 Church of England parishes in the area.

Speaking after his visit Bishop Peter said: “I was hugely encouraged by my visit to Wellington.

“The day was all about listening to the local community, experiencing what makes it tick, getting a feel for the challenges residents face and how the local church team is helping – or could help - to meet those challenges.

“I heard from councillors about the new development and what that means for existing infrastructure, from head teachers about their innovative approach to educating children and supporting their families in some of the worse-off areas in our county and from others of the challenges of serving an aging population.

“In Wellington, working to support local people with dementia is a particular priority and one which I wholeheartedly endorse.”