GOLDSMITHS students had a very special lecturer last week - the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

The archbishop, who has just one month left in the role, met students involved in Open Book - a project encouraging offenders and former addicts back into education.

Dr Williams, who has spoken before at Brixton Prison about the role of education in supporting prisoners before and after release, also led a seminar at the New Cross university on philosophy and theology.

Coordinator of Open Book Joe Baden said: "To attract the interest of someone like the archbishop underscores the importance of the work we do through the project."

He went on: "His open manner really struck a chord with our students, regardless of their personal views on Christianity or religion more generally.

"He wasn’t afraid to be asked challenging questions about faith and was frank and open in his responses."