The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Somerset to join a Wave of Prayer.

For 24 hours, Christians in the Diocese of Bath and Wells created a continuous flow of prayer across the county.

The event aimed to bring people together in churches, homes, schools, workplaces, outdoor spaces, and online, praying for church growth and community transformation.

Archbishop Justin Welby, who made a special visit to the county, said: "I deeply enjoyed my visit to Bath and Wells.

"It has been inspiring to see the church here united in prayer for the wider community.

"That’s what prayer does.

"It opens us to God’s love, which fills our lives and leads us to love and serve others.

"I’m grateful for this reminder and pray for God’s blessing over this area."

(Image: Diocese of Bath and Wells)

The Archbishop's visit began on Friday evening at a Movement Worship Night for young people in Bath, where more than 170 people gathered to pray.

On Saturday morning, the Archbishop started his day with prayers in the chapel of the Bishop’s Palace, Wells, before joining members of the rural and farming communities at Sedgemoor Auction Centre in Bridgwater.

He spoke with them about the concerns of the farming community and prayed with them in the livestock ring.

Rupert Cox, from the Somerset Mental Health in Agriculture Group, Farmerados, said: "I think it’s really great the Archbishop has come to Sedgemoor Market to see rural communities, to see the farmers and to understand from all of the organisations that are here what we are trying to do together to manage farmers' wellbeing and mental health.

"This is the sector with the highest proportion of suicide of any business sector in the UK, so we are doing all we can to raise the profile of these things, and having the Archbishop here to endorse us is absolutely fantastic."

(Image: Diocese of Bath and Wells)

The Archbishop then visited St Francis Church, Bridgwater, where prayer stations highlighted the work of the church within the local community.

At Nailsea School, the Archbishop was greeted by local children and members of Kingshill Church School.

He was led through various creative prayer stations, covering themes such as children and young people, education, and chaplaincy work.

The final stop of the day was Frome, where a new Christian community is being established in the former vicarage of St Mary’s Church.

The Archbishop toured the Giant’s Garden with young volunteers and reflected on environmental stewardship and climate change.

(Image: Diocese of Bath and Wells)

Bishop of Bath and Wells, Michael Beasley, said: "What a time of encouragement, joy and delight it has been in all that we’ve shared.

"It has been great to have the Archbishop with us and to share in prayer with so many people around our diocese of Bath and Wells.

"A wonderful 24 hours!"