NEW Bishop of Taunton Fiona Gibson led a pop-up Ashing Service to mark the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter.

Bishop Fiona offered people an opportunity to take part in the service in Wells Market Square.

Local residents, traders, and visitors joined with her to pause, pray, reflect, and receive the sign of the cross on their forehead or hand with ashes made from palm crosses used in last year’s Palm Sunday.

There was also an option to receive the cross on a printed card which they could take home with them.

Bishop Fiona said: “It was wonderful to take the offer of God’s love and forgiveness out to people where they are going about their ordinary business.”