AS part of the Devon Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) Annual Ride and Stride event, the members of St Luke’s Church at Posbury wanted to do something a little different this year.

On Saturday, September 12, members of the committee along with children, grandchildren and dogs covered more than six miles of the lanes leading to Posbury collecting litter as they went.

They travelled from Meetford Bridge through Venny Tedburn and as far as Fordton Bridge, from Folly Moor through Uton and down to Culvery Cross, up to the top of Uton Steep and on to Posbury, as well as from Gunstone up to Blackdown cross and down to Posbury.

Along the way they collected 17 sacks of litter, which weighed in at more than 50kg.

Everyone congregated outside at the church for a quick barbecue lunch, before finishing off the day by trimming the inside of the churchyard hedge.

Fiona Mortimer, chairman of the management committee said: “St Luke’s is in such a lovely part of the countryside, we wanted to do our bit to try and make the journey to church even more spectacular, and we hope that the community will appreciate what we have done.”

Ruth Vigers, treasurer, said: “We wanted to support DHCT because they have been extremely generous in helping St Luke’s with grants in the past.

“Most recently they made a grant towards our renovations in 2017, which saw the church having extensive work to completely renew the floor and interior redecoration. This was our way of giving back to the Trust as well as doing something for the environment.”

Izzy Jones (9), took part in the litter pick with her grandmother Julie Cole. They walked from Blackdown Cross down to Upper Uton Steep and then back up to the church. Izzy said: “I enjoyed taking part, but it was very tiring.”

The committee is grateful for any donations towards Devon Historic Churches Trust, which can be made either direct to any member of the committee or via the church website: https://posbury.org.uk/community-litter-pick.html .

St Luke’s which is usually always open has been closed throughout the lockdown, but re-opened for public worship on August 2.

Services are held on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11am, but due to the COVID secure plan which enables the services to be held, unfortunately has to remain closed during the week. However the churchyard remains open to visitors.

The next service will be on Sunday, September 20, at 11am and will be taken by Rev Prebendary Peter Rapsey, who will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his ordination on the same day.

The Harvest Festival at St Luke’s is planned for Sunday, October 4 at 3pm, however arrangements for this service will depend on the covid guidance at the time. The committee hope it will be able to continue to be as close to the traditional service and auction as possible.