The Revd Ana Lawrence, Rector of Street with Walton and Compton Dundon, has died, the Diocese of Bath and Wells has announced.

Her death has prompted tributes from across the diocese and the communities she served, with Bishop Michael describing her as a "wonderful priest and a much-loved friend".

Ana came to the Diocese of Bath and Wells in 2020, arriving during the Covid pandemic to serve the parishes of Street, Walton and Compton Dundon.

Despite the restrictions in place at the time, she built strong relationships across the three communities and became known for her pastoral care, encouragement and commitment to the people she served.

She later became Area Dean as well as continuing her work as rector.

Bishop Michael said: "We are all truly devastated. Ana was a wonderful priest and a much-loved friend. Ana lived out her faith generously, courageously and faithfully.

"She had a great gift for making people feel listened to, and brought warmth and kindness into so many lives.

"We are blessed to have known her and we grieve her passing. We pray for her family, friends, and all those who knew and cared for her. We will miss Ana greatly."

When she first arrived in the area, Ana spoke of the importance she placed on working directly with the communities she served.

She said at the time: "Most of all I love working among the people whom I serve. It is a real privilege and joy to serve God and work with his people in these lovely places."

Originally from Watford, Ana worked in education before entering the ministry, teaching violin and viola in primary and secondary schools.

She later undertook her theological training in Nottingham and served her curacy near Wolverhampton before moving to Somerset.

The Diocese of Bath and Wells said her death would be "deeply felt" among the communities she served, her clergy colleagues and the many people she had cared for during her ministry.

In announcing her death, the diocese also expressed its condolences to her husband Kevin, her children and her wider family and friends.

Ana will be remembered in Street, Walton and Compton Dundon for the relationships she built and the warmth and commitment she brought to parish life over the past six years.

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