A MINISTER from Okehampton has returned to warmer climes after a trip to speak at a number of churches in the Ukraine.

The Rev Mike Davies, one of the pastors at the Inspiration Church and an Okehampton Town Councillor, was one of a number of speakers at a gathering of church leaders in Kiev.

Alongside battling the obvious communication difficulties, Mr Davies was hit with exceptionally cold temperatures, down to minus 20 degrees.

He said: 'Having a translator with me all of the time was very useful. However, I couldn't get used to the freezing temperatures.'

Mr Davies has been invited to speak again in the Ukraine later in the year — by which time it should be warmer.