WHAT is the connection between a shopping bag, a handbag, a sports bag, a backpack, luggage labels and a new headteacher?

For the congregation at a special Back to School All Age Service held recently in the parish hall at Ropley, all was revealed!

The service, which celebrated the start of a new school year, also welcomed Sarah Vittle as the new headteacher at Ropley Primary School.

Reverend Clare Welham, the priest in charge of the benefice of Ropley, Bishop’s Sutton and West Tisted, led the service which involved participants of all ages, including three school-age children, Tom Sandell, Darcie Wynne and Caitlin Knight, who read a specially-adapted version of the reading from Corinthians based on the Body of Christ.

Sue Bowen, schools adviser for the Winchester Diocesan Board of Education, presented Miss Vittle with a Bible on behalf of the diocese and Rev Welham gave her a card of welcome from the church community.

After the service, there was an opportunity to meet Sarah and her sons informally over coffee and cake.