A special service was held in Wimborne Minster last Sunday to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.

Special readings and prayers were said at the parish Eucharist which was conducted by the rector, the Rev Canon Andrew Rowland, who also preached the sermon. The first lesson was read by the mayor, Cllr Mrs Kelly Webb and the second by the vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset the Hon Mrs Charlotte Townshend.

After the service coffee and cake were served in Church House.

In the afternoon, the Minster Bellringers rang a full peal of 5070 changes known as Stedman Caters in three hours and 26 minutes. A full peal is anything over 5000 changes, the extra 70 being added to mark the 70 years.