THE role of churches in Okehampton was the focus of the talk at the latest Okehampton business and community breakfast.

At each breakfast there is a speaker who focuses on a particular aspect of community life.

The latest speaker was the Rev Stephen Cook, who as well as being the local vicar is the team rector of the Northmoor Team Ministry, which represents 13 Anglican churches.

Mr Cook asked attendees to imagine they were walking through Okehampton and he then took them on a tour of eight different forms of Christian worship in Okehampton, providing a historical background to the churches and where they are focused today.

He explained that out of these churches, seven belonged to the organisation 'Christians Together Okehampton', which aims to unite the town's Christian churches.

Mr Cook paid tribute to Pastor David Waters, who until recently was the long term minister at New Life Church, as he had worked hard for Christian unity in the town.

On an average Sunday, 12 church services take place, with nearly 1,000 people each month attending at least one service.

The meeting was also a chance for the mayor to introduce the community to Paul Snell, the new town clerk for Okehampton Town Council.