A joyful service of celebration was held recently in the United Church to celebrate three years of town centre chaplaincy.

What started as small scale visiting of shops in South Street has grown to cover most of the town centre, including Brewery Square and, more recently, the town council office.

There are now 12 volunteer chaplains who go out each week offering friendly support and a listening ear to those who work in our local shops and businesses.

Val Potter has been a chaplain for the three full years, She said: "One shop owner introduced his visiting chaplains to his friend, saying ‘these two from the church come and see me every week, just to make sure I am alright’. That effectively sums up what chaplaincy is about."

The service was also attended by the Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Susie Hosford.