The 78th Bishop of Bath & Wells, the Right Reverend Peter Price is to retire on Saturday.

Bishop Price, 69, is retiring from the position after nearly 11 years, during which time he served in the House of Lords, speaking out in particular on international aid and foreign affairs.

Most recently he urged G8 leaders who met this week in Northern Ireland to "ratchet down the violence" in Syria.

"The G8 provides a rare opportunity to offer hope in an otherwise bleak landscape," he said.

Bishop Price made the comments in the House of Lords in his final appearance before retiring as Bishop of Bath and Wells. Last month he argued against Government plans to try to lift an EU sanction on the supply of arms to Syria.

Another area of interest to Bishop Price is reconciliation and he has contributed to peace-making in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Zimbabwe.

Following his retirement, he will take up a new role with Conciliation Resources, an international charity working for reconciliation in areas of war and conflict.

Bishop Price will be bid farewell at a special service at Wells Cathedral on Saturday.

Bishop Price said: "I have had the privilege of serving this diocese as its bishop for nearly 11 years. It has been among the most special periods of my life and I thank you for all that you have been and done in support of that ministry.

"I have met some wonderful people and shared many fond memories. However, all good things must come to an end. Saturday will mark a new phase in my life and the life of the diocese and I very much hope you can join me at Wells Cathedral for the service."