​The Bishop of Bath and Wells saw Christianity in action at the sharp end of life last night when he visited the city centre as part of a three-day tour.

The Rt Rev Peter Price has been dropping in on churches, schools, businesses and groups across Bath.

His tour included a meeting with homeless people as he looked at the work of the Genesis Trust charity, a Christian group which runs projects such as the city’s soup run.

Bishop Peter went to the Lifeline centre, which has helped thousands of people with accommodation, addiction problems and other issues, before seeing the work of the Life Skills scheme.

This has helped more than 400 people with social, educational and back-to-work training.

Bishop Peter said: “I was very impressed, it is a creative way of enabling people to express their honesty and wholeness.”

Following the visit Bishop Peter was taken on a walk around the city by the street pastors team, another project run by the trust, which sees Christians taking to city centre streets at weekends to help revellers.

The volunteers, who come from 26 different churches, work with the police, street marshals, taxi marshals and door staff to help people find their way home safely.

Bishop Peter said: “I am very impressed with the work of street pastors.

“I first saw their work in Weston-super-Mare, and am excited to be able to see how it benefits Bath.

“It is a good way for the church to take part in a project that helps people in the city, especially the young.”

The chair of the street pastors scheme Rob Thickey said: “It was good to have the bishop out and about with us.

“He seemed really interested in the work we do, and was happy to talk to people on the streets.”

After a reception at St Michael’s Church in Broad Street, Bishop Peter headed off to serve soup to homeless people in Walcot Street.

The soup run operates every night of the year, providing free soup and sandwiches to those who would otherwise go hungry.

Bishop Peter said: “The soup run is very important for those who are in need.

“I think it is a good stepping stone, a way of helping people not only to get a hot meal but to improve their lives.”

His visit - where he was joined by Bishop of Taunton the Rt Rev Peter Maurice - also saw him meeting pupils and teachers at Combe Down Primary School, as well as conducting a service of blessing at St Andrew’s Community Church in Foxhill.

Bishop Peter added: “I have always loved Bath, it is a very special place.

“This is a real international city with lots of history.

“People are welcoming here, it is a really hospitable city.”