CHURCH people from Dorchester are going the extra mile to support a former curate - they're taking a coach trip to attend her first service in London.

A party from the town will travel 130 miles to the capital for the Rev Claire Robson's induction at St James's Church in West Hampstead.

The move comes after the popular curate finished her three years' training at St Mary's, St Peter's and St George's churches in Dorchester.

The Rev Philip Lambert, team rector of Dorchester, said: "Claire was a superb colleague.

"She was great fun but also very conscientious with concern for the poor locally and was very supportive of the poverty action group."

He added: "She was also hospice chaplain for a while. I am going to miss her and wish her the best in London."

Miss Robson was deputy head of a school in London before training for ordination and starting as a deacon in Dorchester in October 1999.

She was ordained by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt Rev David Stancliffe in October 2000 at St Mary's Church in Dorchester.

She served as a curate in Dorchester at the three churches until her final service on September 8 of this year.

Miss Robson takes up her new post as associate vicar at St James's Church in West Hampstead with a service and induction at 5.30pm on October 20.

Lillian Wood, who goes to St Peter's Church, and Peter Parker, who goes to St George's Church in Fordington, have organised the trip to London.

The 53-seat coach is nearly full after churchgoers paid £10 each to travel to London to offer their support.

Mrs Wood said: "It just shows how popular Miss Robson was.

"She made a big impression on people and we are going to miss her."

The coach will leave Dorchester at lunchtime and a few places are left.

Call Mrs Wood on (01305) 267138 or Mr Parker on (01305) 260980 for the availability of tickets.