The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon raised just under £400 for charity shining shoes last Maundy Thursday.The Right Reverend John Davies spent three hours on his knees cleaning the shoes of visitors to Swansea Market.
It is the fourth year in a row he has done the shoe-shining. He was thrilled at the result, despite the uncomfortable work.
The money raised will be donated to the bishop's annual Lent Appeal, which this year is supporting the Welsh Dragon Burns Club, based at Morriston Hospital Burns Unit, the Kaleidoscope Project serving people with drug and alcohol problems, and ZANE, which is regenerating communities suffering oppression in Zimbabwe.
Bishop Davies said, "Some people were a bit gob-smacked by the prospect of a bishop shining their shoes; some people now come by every year; but everyone who took part was good-humoured and generous. I'd like to thank them for their kindness and I'd also like to thank the authorities at Swansea Market for their co-operation and again allowing me my usual pitch."