A SPECIAL prayer room was officially opened last Thursday (September 29) at Danesfield Church of England School by the Bishop of Taunton – with support from a range of craftspeople and businesses in the community.

Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley, visited the school to officially open and bless The Sanctuary, its new prayer room, as well as meet the school council and members of the local community who contributed to the project.

“It has been a great privilege to work with so many members of our community, and staff and children have been touched by their generosity,” said teacher Helen Jenkinson, who led the prayer room project.

Local artists, craftspeople, businesses and religious organisations contributed support ranging from art work and installations to carpeting, shelving, decorating and funding.

The Sanctuary, which arose from pupils’ requests for a permanent prayer space, had already become very special and Helen said it was great for the school to be acknowledged by the bishop.

She said Danesfield had a strong relationship with local churches and this marked the beginning of a stronger link between the school and its local community.

Danesfield is also keen to make contact with local artists, craftspeople and landscape designers for an upcoming outdoor project.

Pictured are pupils with Bishop Ruth and Paul Rushworth, chief executive officer for the West Somerset Academy Trust.