Wells Cathedral is to host a special service to give thanks for and celebrate the work of Somerset's Lord-Lieutenant Annie Maw CVO, who retires at the end of October.

To mark the occasion, people are being invited to Evensong in the Cathedral Nave on October 9th at 3pm.

Today the Dean of Wells, the Very Revd Dr John Davies DL, said: "We would really like a full cathedral.

"During her tenure, Annie has touched the lives of many people across the county so we really hope lots and lots of people will want to support this special service."

One of Annie's final duties as Lord-Lieutenant will be to help plant a Field Maple Tree on behalf of the County of Somerset, in the Camry Garden of The Cathedral, as part of the 'Queens Green Canopy' initiative and in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This will be done earlier in the day on October 9th.

Mrs Maw, who has been Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset for nearly eight years, said: "It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve the monarchy and the people of Somerset in this role. It truly has been an immense privilege.

"Eight years really have flown by and they have given me so many joyous memories. It really will be lovely to see as many people as possible in Wells Cathedral."

Anyone who would like to attend the service is being asked to register their interest by emailing [email protected] - or simply turn up on the day.

Mohammed Saddiq DL, who is Executive Director of Operations at Wessex Water, will succeed as HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset at the end of October.