RIVER baptisms, school visits and even a karaoke rendition were among a host of activities for the Bishop of Exeter during his five-day visit to West Devon last week.

The visit was part of the 1,100th anniversary celebrations marking the founding of the Diocese of Exeter.

And the Rt Rev Michael Langrish notched a few 'firsts' during his visit.

Baptisms in the River Tavy were a first for both him and the Rev Michael Brierley of St Eustachius Church, Tavistock.

The bishop was assisted by Mr Brierley and the Rev Geoff Lloyd, Rural Dean, in the baptisms on Sunday morning — they borrowed fishermen's waders to wear under their robes so they did not get quite as wet.

Mr Brierley said the candidates had found it quite a cold shock, but it was a 'very moving' experience for them.

Such baptisms are rare in the Church of England, but he said he would not be surprised if others now enquired about it.

The bishop said he had baptised people in swimming pools, in a lake and in the sea, but it was the first time he had baptised in a fast-flowing river.

He said: 'Standing in the river, seeing all those people gathered round and then having the baptisms was a very moving occasion.' He also confirmed 35 people.

Bishop Michael arrived in Tavistock last Wednesday and a welcome service was held that evening at Tavistock Methodist Church.

On the Thursday he had breakfast with the farming community in Lifton, followed by a visit to Lewtrenchard School.

At lunchtime he met farmers and auctioneers at Tavistock Cattle Market before meeting staff and pupils at Lamerton and Lewtrenchard Primary Schools. There was a reception for the business community in Tavistock in the evening.

On Friday it was off to Tavistock College, where he undertook numerous activities with Guy Airton, Christian youth worker at the college.

In the evening Bishop Michael encouraged people in their Christian vocation within the community.

On Saturday 'the flying bishop' was present at a special men's breakfast at Moorland Links Hotel, Yelverton, before he visited Walkhampton Market, Meavy Oak Fair and the strawberry fair at Peter Tavy.

It was off to town pubs in the evening for a welcome glass of refreshment along with six other clergy from the area, when he shared his faith with pubgoers.

The clergy gave an impromptu karaoke rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' in the Royal British Legion bar and received an enormous cheer.

On Sunday Bishop Michael led two services: one in the open air at St Eustachius Churchyard in the morning, with Stannary Brass Band, and another that same evening at St Andrew's Whitchurch.

Mr Brierley said everything during the visit had gone according to plan: 'The people in Tavistock and surrounding area seemed to be glad to see the bishop out and about. He has a real passion and concern for the area and its issues and people were very touched to see that for themselves.'