A NUN who has travelled the globe, visiting more than 250 countries to spread the Christian word, has arrived in south Essex.

Sister Ruth, 65, will be popping into pubs, shops and strolling through high streets to offer spiritual guidance and help with any upset or anguished souls.

This nun on the run, who is half Italian but has grown up in England, carries her 2ft-tall resin statue of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus everywhere she goes.

She came up with the idea of carrying the statue everywhere as a way to encourage curious people to approach her.

Does it work? "It's like a magnet," she said.

For more details about Sister Ruth, see www.angelfire.com/stars4/sister-ruth

Published Thursday, February 9, 2006