THE Bishop of Hereford has offered his congratulations to Hereford United following their promotion.

Hereford clinched promotion to Coca Cola League One when they beat Brentford by three goals to nil at the weekend.

"It is really exciting for the whole of the county that the Bulls have finally got the promotion they deserve," said Bishop Anthony Priddis.

"Over the last few years they have been so near yet so far. So we have a story of resurrection and persistence!"

The team, which is the only Football League club in the Diocese of Hereford, only returned to the league last season after nine seasons in the Nationwide Conference.

"I will be dropping a line to Graham Turner as I believe his faith in the team and his management has brought them to the new position they find themselves in," added the Bishop.

"It's not always easy being in charge when things are not going well.

"I hope I can find time next season to fit in a trip to Edgar Street, and perhaps we should devise a special prayer for the Bulls too."