STAFF who work to keep churches safe places for everyone have been praised by the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

A Social Care Institute for Excellence report emphasises that safeguarding is "a priority in the diocese" and that the safeguarding team is well respected in the parishes.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Hancock welcomed the report and its findings.

He said: "I would like to thank the Social Care Institute for Excellence for reviewing our safeguarding arrangements, for recognising our strengths, and for helping us to reflect on how we can improve.

“The audit emphasises the fact that safeguarding is a priority in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. This reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring safe churches for all.

“The report also states that the diocesan safeguarding team is highly respected in our parishes, in particular for their knowledge, efficiency of response, and for the training they provide.

“Where the auditors have recommended improvements, we will consider these carefully.

"In particular, we will continue attempts to widen membership of the Diocesan Safeguarding Group and will keep our safeguarding policies and arrangements under review as national policy evolves during 2017.

“Whilst safeguarding must be everyone’s responsibility, I would like to pay particular tribute to our parish safeguarding officers, the safeguarding team based in the diocesan offices and the Diocesan Safeguarding Group for the work they do to keep our churches safe places for all.”