IT IS an ambitious eight-year programme, but the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler, installed in his diocese early last year, is planning a series of prayer walks in all 16 deaneries, in order to get to know his people. "Prayer walks are a fantastic way of engaging with communities," he says.

"I have taken part in them before, and they are a highlight of my year, because of the range of people we meet and the places that we visit. As we walk and pray together, we seek to bless and be blessed by the people and communities we visit."

He recently embarked on his first walk in West Gateshead deanery. He began in the central nursery of Whickham Groundwork, which runs a wide range of community activities in the area, including helping to prepare people for work. "Groundwork gives a good picture of what the prayer walks are all about," the Bishop says. "It is about regenerating, and offering hope, and seeking blessing in our communities."