A 13-YEAR-OLD boy has been appointed as boy bishop at a Southbourne church.

Alex Smith donned the robes and hat of a bishop at St Nicholas Church, Broadway, in a ceremony dating back to medieval times.

In keeping with tradition, Alex received a host of gifts from the children of the parish which will be given to children in need over the festive season.

Ian Whiteley, a long-standing member of the congregation, said: “It was a wonderful ceremony.

“It was quite moving. The children of the parish brought so many gifts – it was almost overwhelming.

“It’s a major event for the children of the parish. It’s a big event and they all get involved.”

As well as receiving dozens of gifts from children and other parishioners of St Nicholas and its sister church St Katharine’s, Alex was presented with the cope, mitre, crook, ring and hat of a bishop to wear.

The teen, who is a pupil of Bishop of Winchester School, addressed the congregation in his first speech as boy bishop, thanking them for their gifts which he said would be given to local needy children including those at a women’s refuge in Bournemouth.

“When Alex was given the gifts he gave a very gracious speech,” Mr Whiteley said.

“He told everyone the presents would be going to children who needed them more than we do.”

Alex will hold the role as boy bishop for one year.

The ceremony to appoint boy bishops is held at the church on the day of the Patronal Festival honouring St Nicholas, patron saint of children and sailors.

St Nicholas is one of the few churches in England still continuing the tradition of appointing a boy bishop, once very common in medieval times.

Mr Whiteley added: “St Nicholas church is known not only for maintaining the ancient tradition of appointing boy bishops – it already appointed a girl bishop long before the Church of England overturned tradition and decided to appoint women bishops.”