A PIONEERING missionary, who has visited almost every country in the world, is spreading her message in north London for the next few weeks.

Sister Ruth Augustus, 70, says she has visited 269 countries across the globe during her time as a nun and has helped thousands of people by listening to their problems.

Now she is pounding the streets in Barnet, visiting shops and pubs to lend people a sympathetic ear.

She told the Times Series: “I want people to stop me in the street and speak to me. People find they can really open up about their problems and I think it helps to lend a sympathetic ear.

“It seems to me having been away from England people have far more problems. The amount of people who are on prescription drugs to help them be happy is terrible.

“I go into pubs as well and a lot of men especially, seem to find it easier to talk when they have had a few drinks, and always seem appreciative of a kind ear. I’m open to anyone of any faith.”