PERSHORE Abbey was filled to the rafters as people flocked to a children-led church service that featured a very special guest. 

Pupils from Himbleton Church of England (CofE) Primary School held a service about prayer in front of the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. 

Evesham Journal: Himbleton Church of England (CofE) Primary School giving the Archbishop a cross.Himbleton Church of England (CofE) Primary School giving the Archbishop a cross. (Image: James Atkinson)The Most Reverend Justin Welby attended the service as part of his Worcestershire tour, where he was praying for the Diocese and peace and justice throughout the world in 2024 and beyond.

In the service, the children at Himbleton Primary School discussed what prayer meant to them and then ran a question and answer session with the Archbishop. 

Evesham Journal: The Archbishop addressing pupils at the school.The Archbishop addressing pupils at the school. (Image: James Atkinson)He said: "They led the worship themselves, and it was not by any means childish.

"It was beautifully thoughtful and all about prayer and then they asked me questions."

Evesham Journal: Pupils discussing prayer. Pupils discussing prayer. (Image: James Atkinson)The school had also given the Archbishop a hand help cross with the school's logo engraved - a gift he said was the highlight of his Worcestershire tour.

"One particular moment which was my favourite - not that any of them were lesser - was the kids that gave me a holding cross, that was really beautiful," he added. 

Evesham Journal: Audience members made paper planes and flew them in the church. Audience members made paper planes and flew them in the church. (Image: James Atkinson)"It has been a day totally about prayer - not about politics or anything like that - just about worship, and it's been wonderful."

As part of his tour, the Archbishop visited Dudley and Worcester. 

Evesham Journal: The Archbishop listening to the service. The Archbishop listening to the service. (Image: James Atkinson)In his Worcester service, he answered a Q&A about prayers and joked about praying on the day of King Charles' coronation to ensure he did not drop the crown in front of the nation. 

He had joined everyone in several prayers and sang hymns.

Evesham Journal: Hundreds of people attended. Hundreds of people attended. (Image: James Atkinson)During the service, The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, said: "People have come in large numbers to be with the Archbishop of Canterbury.

"I would also like to give a big thank you to the Archbishop, Justin Welby, for being with us to accompany us in prayer and encourage us in prayer. 

"We have had a wonderful day."