The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Dr Rowan Williams, has visited St Nicholas Church Ringwould, the first visit made by an Archbishop in 43 years.

He went to celebrate St Nicholas Day in a special service with the Rector of Ringwould the Rev Cathy Sigrist and ordained local minister the Rev John Winn. During the service the Archbishop preached and also celebrated communion.

Mrs Sigrist said: "We were all thrilled that Archbishop Rowan was able to join us for our service in Ringwould Church in celebration of our patron saint, St Nicholas.

"During the service the Archbishop presented some of the children with chocolate Santa Clauses in recognition of the contribution that they had made towards a St Nicholas exhibition that was on display in the church and afterwards he stayed to chat to all the members of the congregation."

* For full story see the East Kent Mercury, Thursday, December 9.

* Visit www.ringwouldchurch.com/churchhistory