Bishop Mike said he wanted his Enthronement Day to be about the whole of Devon and its churches and communities “in all their diversity.”

His day began on Woolacombe beach at sunrise, where he led prayers of Thanksgiving for Baptism with people from local churches. He then celebrated Communion at Bittadon church, which is at the heart of a rural farming community near Ilfracombe. Afterwards he travelled to Barnstaple for breakfast at the parish church of St Peter and St Paul, before going on a tour of the Pannier Market and historic Guildhall.

Bishop Mike said afterwards “It’s great to see this intergenerational activity, it really acts as social glue for the community. These kinds of sports clubs are really important for the fabric of local life.”