A BLANDFORD school will receive a very special visitor tomorrow (Friday) in the form of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Justin Welby will visit the Archbishop Wake CofE School as part of a weekend trip to the Diocese of Salisbury over the weekend.

A spokesperson said his visit was ‘to encourage and support our joint vision of making Jesus known across Wiltshire and Dorset’.

And youngsters at the school, as well as staff and governors, will be able to meet him as part of his trip.

A school spokesperson said: “This is a huge honour for the school to be chosen from all of the schools in the Diocese – I know that we will do our very best to make his visit memorable and joyful.

“Of course, this will all be on the back of Justin’s role in the King’s coronation – so I am certain the children will have many questions.”

His timetable across the weekend is:

Friday
Morning: MOD Lyneham – Meeting with trainees and chaplains.
Afternoon: Archbishop Wake CE School, Blandford Forum- Meeting with children, staff and governors.
Evening: Church of the Good Shepherd, Rossmore, Poole- Meeting with Gypsy and Traveller Community.

Saturday
Morning: Admiralty Hotel, Portland- Breakfast with local business leaders.
Early Afternoon: Weymouth Seafront- Walk led by Bishop Karen.
Afternoon: Hope House, Weymouth- Youth and local volunteers to join in the blessing of Hope house and community fun day.
Evening: Resound Youth Event, St Mary’s Longfleet Poole- Youth to engage together.

Sunday
Morning: Erlestoke Prison- Communion and service held with regular attendee’s.
Early Afternoon: Celebration of Community Hubs, St Michael’s Larkhill- Local volunteers and community hub users to gather for lunch.
Afternoon: Celebratory service in the Cathedral Close, SP1 2EJ, starting to gather from 3.30pm, and the service will conclude just before 5pm.

“Archbishop Justin wants to meet all those who do not often attend church, as well as volunteers and communities,” the spokesperson added.

“Invite your local community to this event and those who may be interested in hearing a message about faith in Jesus Christ.”