AS part of Children’s Takeover Day Redditch recently welcomed the Church of England's first 'girl bishop'.

The day, held last week, saw Bishop John hand over the role of Diocesan Bishop to 12-year-old Orianna Colthurst.

In the morning Bishop John and Orianna visited the offices of the YMCA , of which Bishop John is president, and also a see a project run by charity Where Next? which provides work experience and training for people with learning disabilities or those disadvantaged.

They then had lunch with the Redditch Town Centre chaplaincy team and a number of retailers from the Kingfisher Shopping Centre.

Bishop John said: “We have a long tradition of boy bishops in the Church of England and it seems particularly appropriate this year that we are welcoming our first ‘girl bishop’."

Orianna said the main aim was to try to help ensure that children’s voices are heard.