THE Bishop of Exeter has welcomed figures showing the number of people worshipping in Devon's Anglican churches has risen over the past year.
There have been increases in the recorded average weekly attendance since 2008, with the latest figure reaching 27,100 in 2011. The number of children attending church or church projects has also risen significantly.
The Right Reverend Michael Langrish said: "We are encouraged by the latest figures which show that there has been gentle growth in the number of people worshipping in our churches.
"For over a decade now, the statistics show an increase in the number of people in regular contact with the public worship of the Church of England in Devon.
"Particularly heartening is the fact that the numbers of children and young people in our churches are growing too.
"We are committed to encouraging and nurturing children in our churches, and in our 130 church schools."
He added: "We have also been investing in the way our parishes reach out to their local community."