THE Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev Rowan Williams, returned to an Oxford church to honour a promise that he would be there to mark its 75th anniversary.

Dr Williams was at St Alban's Church in Charles Street, East Oxford, yesterday.

The Archbishop led a packed service at the church.

Dr Williams worshipped at the small city church when he was Professor of Theology at Oxford University, and still has many friends among the congregation.

Its vicar, the Rev Adam Romanis, said: "It was an honour to have the Archbishop here. We invited him when we had our 70th anniversary. He said he couldn't make it but that he'd love to come for our 75th."

Dr Williams is pictured with churchwarden Cassa Messervy, left, parisioner Edna Stevens and Mr Romanis.