THE Archbishop of Canterbury praised the “enormous” contribution of one of the country's smaller religions on a visit to Rayners Lane today.

Dr Rowan Williams went to the Zoroastrian Centre, in Alexandra Avenue, at 2pm, where he met members of the faith and learned about their rich history and tradition.

He said: “For a community relatively small in size its contribution has been enormous to the life of this country but also to the life of so many of the great world religions.

“In the light of this community I feel that I'm touching some very great roots indeed of the religious inspiration of so many of the world's religious faiths at this present point in time.”

He was greeted by members of the Zoroastrian Trust Fund of Europe (ZTFE) and was adorned with a sash by Shenaz Sadri, a member of the group, in keeping with the traditions of the community.

Malcolm Deboo, secretary of the organisation, told Dr Williams: “We believe you are a true friend to make so much free time available to us. We Zoroastrians value your friendship.”