A LEADING churchman swapped his cassock for coffee - when he became a barista for a day.

Customers at Chimes Café in Ripon became his congregation as he learnt how to make the perfect Americano, latte and cappuccino.

The Bishop of Knaresborough, the Right Reverend James Bell, was put through his paces by owners James and Vanessa Bell ahead of Christian Aid Week, which begins on Sunday.

He was raising awareness of how small-scale coffee farmers in Nicaragua have been supported by the international aid agency to work their way out of poverty, The charity has helped to change the lives of thousands of people in Nicaragua by helping farmers to get a fair price for their coffee, enabling them to access education and healthcare for their families.

“The story of the coffee farmers in Nicaragua is one of hope,” he said.

“It shows how our actions can help to support thousands of people around the world work their way out of poverty.”

The Bishop confided that he prefers his coffee black, but said it was a privilege to be able to learn to make coffee properly.

He added: “It is wonderful to see Christian Aid working through local partners in some of the poorest parts of the world to bring about positive change in people’s lives.

Donations to Christian Aid Week can be made at caweek.org or by calling 08080-006-006