THE Archbishop of Canterbury's first visit to Sussex in nearly ten years has been hailed a "great success".

The Most Rev Justin Welby returned to the county at the weekend for a three-day tour of the Diocese of Chichester, where he was welcomed by hundreds of people.

The archbishop visited several venues as part of his historic trip and met students, church leaders, refugees and prisoners.

Starting at all Saints Church, Hove, he drank mint tea and shared a falafel salad lunch and met individuals and refugee families staying in nearby hotels.

In Hastings, hundreds of people attended an event to hear him take part in a question and answer session.

Then in Lewes, he attended a reception with the mayor Steve Catlin and other civic and community leaders.

The Bishop of Chichester, the Rt Rev Martin Warner, gave his thanks for the archbishop’s time and for sharing something of his faith with the people of Sussex.

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He said: "What a wonderful weekend it has been. Archbishop Justin said how much he has discovered that is good and beautiful and wonderful in the Diocese of Chichester.

"He has shown us how faith can be nurtured in other people. He has also encouraged us in our faith. Thank you, we are so encouraged."

On Sunday, the archbishop visited inmates at Ford Open Prison and led a service in the chapel.

He was able to see first-hand the work of the chaplaincy team and how it supports prisoners.