THE new Bishop of Taunton Fiona Gibson, was joined by Tim Stevens, Precentor from Wells Cathedral and Kate Scott, Bishop’s Chaplain, in Wells Market Square for Ash Wednesday.

The visit gave local people the opportunity to take part in the Ashing Service which marks the beginning of Lent.

Many local residents, traders and visitors joined with her to pause, pray, reflect and receive the sign of the cross with ashes on their forehead, or hand. There was also the option to receive the cross on a printed card which they could take home with them.

The ashes are usually made from palm crosses used in the previous year’s Palm Sunday. Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter.

Sharing why the ashes were being offered to people outside the church building, Bishop Fiona said: “It was wonderful to take the offer of God’s love and forgiveness out to people where they are, where they are going about their ordinary business, just like Jesus did.

“He was frequently found meeting people in the marketplace, in their homes, or places of work; going to where they are to reach them with the love of God.”