THE people of Crediton are the first in Devon to be asked to contribute to a book of thanks to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Crediton Rector, the Rev Preb Nigel Guthrie, was presented with the first pages of the Diocese of Exeter Big Book of Thanks"by the Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, outside Exeter Cathedral on Tuesday.

The book is available for signing in Crediton Parish Church until Sunday, March 4.

Parishioners and children are invited to write personal messages of thanks or draw pictures to the Queen.

The book will tour churches and Church of England schools in the diocese and all can contribute.

These personal messages will be compiled into a special leather-bound book together with an introductory message from Bishop Michael and the Diamond Jubilee prayer handwritten in ink.

The book will be presented to the Lord Lieutenant of Devon at a Jubilee Garden Party to be held in the Bishop's Gardens on May 27. The Lord Lieutenant will then present the book to the Queen.

Bishop Michael said he was honoured to launch the tour of this historically significant record of thanks from the people of Devon.

"It gives me great pleasure to join with many others across the diocese of Exeter in giving thanks for all that Her Majesty has given to church, nation and Commonwealth over the past 60 years and particularly for her inspiration, example and commitment to duty," he said.

After being signed at Crediton Parish Church, it will move to Barnstaple St Peter and Mary Magdalene, Okehampton St James, Plymouth St Andrew's, Torquay St Matthias during the rest of March and April and in Exeter Cathedral from the end of April to May 15.

Pages will also be distributed to other parishes and schools on request to ensure that everyone has a chance to offer their personal messages.

Rev Guthrie said it was fitting that the book came to Crediton, the seat of the first ever Cathedral in Devon and the birthplace of St Boniface.

alan-quick@crediton

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