The Archbishop of Canterbury praised the compassion of people who set up a doctor's surgery for the homeless in Oxford.

Dr George Carey dropped in at Oxford Night Shelter in Luther Street before visiting the new Luther Street surgery.

Staff moved into the surgery, which began life in a portable building in 1980, at the end of January.

Dr Carey met staff and praised the centre as "a wonderful set up".

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Richard Harries, said a prayer which was followed by a blessing from Dr Carey.

Dr Carey said: "I haven't seen a brand new medical centre like this anywhere else. It's very inspiring indeed and says something about how a city values people.

"It shows something about the compassion in the community - but also the problems in the community.

"We've heard about young people with drink and drug problems. This is a scandal.

"I'd want to encourage churches to get more involved. There is more we can do together."

Story date: Wednesday 03 March

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