Farm community joins archbishop in prayer

Mr Welby (picture right) told the community in Bridgwater that "prayer makes a difference"

Members of the farming community have said a visit from the most senior bishop in the Church of England has helped them feel seen and heard.

On Friday evening, The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, began his tour through Somerset in an event planned by the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

During the trip he visited Sedgemoor cattle market in Bridgwater to pray with the community and talk through any issues and thoughts.

Farmer Maureen Trott said the visit offered people in the farming community a chance to "get their feelings out".

Mrs Trott (pictured left) said she felt the archbishop "really engaged" with people

"Those prayers were really heartfelt and said by people who are not used to saying their prayers out loud," Mrs Trott said.

"He really engaged with what we were saying. He now knows more about what's happening in the rural community - not just what's in the papers."

Ida Mary Adams, 86, who was selling produce at the market, said because he "made time to visit" and talk to her, it made her feel seen.

"It's very important and means a lot to me," she said.

"I lost my husband 30 years ago and I still think I can talk to him. You get very lonely when you're older and you lose your partners."

Ms Adams (pictured left) said she felt seen when the archbishop came to visit

Mr Welby said venturing out to visit people across the country was "really energising" and "the best part of the job".

"It's so important. Prayer makes a difference," he said.

"They know they've unloaded their concerns, their hopes and their thanks."