POLICE officers joined the mayor of Bournemouth and the Bishop of Winchester at a local church service, welcoming the new priest-in-charge.

Bournemouth police shared on social media that it was “an honour” to attend the licensing service for the new Reverend Canon Nichola Lawrence as the priest-in-charge of Bournemouth Town Centre Parish.

The service, held at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, also welcomed Reverend Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester, and Cllr George Farquhar, mayor of Bournemouth.

Bournemouth police said: “It was an honour to attend the licensing service for the new Reverend Canon Nichola Lawrence as the priest-in-charge of Bournemouth Town Centre Parish.

“A truly special occasion at St Peter’s Church, where we were also fortunate to meet the Right Reverend Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester, Mr Farquhar,  the Mayor of Bournemouth.

“Wishing Reverend Canon Nichola Lawrence every blessing as she begins this new chapter in his ministry and serves our community with faith and dedication.”