TV priest sums up Sheffield in one tweet and people love it

And it seems that’s not been lost on Reverend Richard Coles, former member of 80s band The Communards and now a priest who is known for his appearances on radio and on TV shows including Have I Got News For You and Strictly Come Dancing.

He was so struck by the lively, friendly atmosphere on his train to Sheffield this week that he couldn’t help tweeting about it – and he managed to encapsulate in fewer than 280 characters what’s so great about the city.

“Get on a train expecting morose silence but it is full of people chatting about football, petting a lady’s dog, and having a whale of a time. And then I remember it Is destined for Sheffield,” he wrote.

His tweet has racked up more than 4,000 likes, been shared over 350 times and generated more than 120 responses, many from Sheffielders loving what he had to say.

Among the fans was Everly Pregnant Brothers singer Shaun Doane, who – as if to prove the reverend’s point – replied: “You're always welcome here in Sheffield! There’s a pint, a pie and plenty of cake on offer!”

The celebrity cleric’s Twitter feed soon turned into a bit of a love-fest for Sheffield and its South Yorkshire neighbours.

Howard Crossley commented: “Yep, welcome to our South Yorkshire, straight talking, friendly people! Enjoy the hospitality. #mostwelcome.”

Traci Moore wrote: “I came all the way from LA and met people who are now very near and dear to my heart. I love Sheffield!”

And Robyn Storey said: “Wonderful folk us lot from Sheff. You’ll always find someone to chat to in a queue, on public transport or down the pub.”