THE Bishop of Durham has completed his eighth prayer walk.

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, has taken part in the walks over the last four years which are designed to allow him to meet people, get to know an area and pray for it and its people.

This year Bishop Paul completed two prayer walks in the Barnard Castle and Easington areas of the diocese.

He plans walk every year until he has walked across all fifteen areas of the diocese.

In keeping with previous years, the annual round of walks started on Ascension Day and concluded on Pentecost Sunday.

Bishop Paul said: “This has been another year of fantastic prayer walks, each one different and reflective of the different areas of the diocese.

“This year we have been in the Barnard Castle area, visiting the towns and villages of Teesdale, with its rural communities, farming, some post-industrial and small industry themes.

"While in the Easington area we have visited stunning countryside which is the backdrop to post-industrial coal mining, and so much more.

“I have been delighted to meet people of all ages, from all situations and to walk, talk and pray with them and their communities."

He added: “There have been many highlights over the last two weeks including visits to schools; small rural businesses; two breweries; a range of community centres and hubs; a lovely evening spent in a pub in Seaham and visiting it’s port including the Mission to Seafarers.

"All of the visits have been made extra special by the magnificent weather and scenery of this remarkable area of the North-East of England.

“As we have walked, talked and prayed together we have sought to bless, and be blessed by, the people and communities that we have visited.

"It has been great fun and is very enjoyable and rewarding to do; I can’t wait for next year’s walks.”