NEWPORT Minster was packed today (Monday) for a service marking the beginning of the Law Year of the Isle of Wight Courts.

A procession, led by the Island's High Sheriff Gioia Minghella-Giddens and Lord Lieutenant Maj Gen Sir Martin White, walked from the Quay Street courts to the church.

The service was conducted by Newport vicar, the Rev Kevin Arkell, and the address given by Canon Loretta Minghella, CE first estates commissioner.

Attendees included the Rt Rev Christopher Foster (Bishop of Portsmouth), Judges Roger Hetherington and Mark Thistlethwayte, and Isle of Wight Under Sheriff John Matthews.

Children from the Newport and Carisbrooke CE Primary School choirs sang The Lord's my Shepherd, and the Newport Minster Choir was joined by organist David Scott and the Newport Minster Brass Ensemble.

A collection was taken for the High Sheriffs' Trust and refreshments were served afterwards.