THE new Bishop of Gloucester received her ceremonial shepherd’s crook from a small church near Cirencester.

Before she was appointed the Bishop-designate, the venerable Rachel Treweek, started her day with a service of morning prayer at St Michael and All Angels Church, Harnhill.

She met the Bishop's staff team for the first time and was welcomed by the local Rector, the Reverend John Swanton.

At the end of the service, the Rector told the Bishop-designate about the annual Lambing Service that takes place in the church, followed by a visit to the lambing sheds next to the church on the Royal Agricultural University’s farm.

Rev Swanton then presented the Bishop-designate with a shepherd's crook with a hazel shaft and crook made of black buffalo horn.

Bishop's traditionally carry shepherd's crooks, or crosiers, symbolizing their role as pastor of their flock.

The new Bishop was delighted with the gift and happily posed for a photo with her new symbol of office.

She said: “What a beautiful church and what a privilege to have come here to pray in its peaceful surroundings like so many have before me.

“I was humbled to receive the crozier and will treasure it as I take up my ministry in the Diocese of Gloucester later in the year. Thank you to everyone at St Michael and All Angels Church for your warm welcome.”