AS has been the tradition for many years, prayers will tomorrow (June 5) be said at the St Boniface Statue to mark the Crediton Saint’s Feast Day, held annually on June 5.

Observing social distancing, prayers will be led by Crediton Rector, Rev Matthew Tregenza.

Members of the Boniface Link Association will also be present.

Folk singer Jim Causley, who thought of the idea that St Boniface become Patron Saint of Devon, last year sang the song he had written entitled “St Boniface Day”, which is being released on social media to mark the occasion this year.

The idea that Saint Boniface of Crediton be proclaimed Patron Saint of Devon was highlighted by Alan Quick in the "Crediton Courier" and it was this story which instilled the Boniface Link Association and friends to launch a campaign.

Religious leaders were asked for letters of support, which were readily forthcoming, and with these, the County Councillor for Crediton, Cllr Nick Way, took these and the recommendation from the Boniface Link Association to Devon County Council.

Devon County Council made its historic decision, after cross-party support, to agree to Boniface becoming Patron Saint of Devon at its meeting at the end of May, 2019.

Boniface was born Wynfrith in 680AD in Crediton. He took Christianity to Germany and Holland and has been described by eminent historians as “The greatest Englishman of all time” and “the Englishman who has had a greater influence on the history of Europe than any other Englishman”. He is said to have founded the tradition of the Christmas tree.