A river through an Oxfordshire town will be thanked in a blessing ceremony.

The Bishop of Dorchester is leading an unusual service on the banks of the river Windrush on Langel Common in Witney.

Members of all the churches have been invited as well as local councillors and environmental groups.

Following the blessing, the bishop will cast a cross made of willow into the stream "in recognition of the value of water to all life".

Churchwarden at St Mary's Church Kate Banks said: “The autumn has traditionally been a time of harvest festivals.

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"With our food supplies threatened by climate change, many churches now observe 'Creationtide'.

"Church services at this season have a wider focus - continuing to be thankful for the beauty of the natural world and what it gives to us, whilst also acknowledging the damage that humans have done, and continue to do, to our planet.

"It is an opportunity to show our gratitude for what the Windrush has meant, and still means, to Witney and also to express our common desire for a river which is clear, healthy, and life-giving."

In 2020 then mayor Duncan Enright captured a picture of a swan from a bridge at Langel Common while taking his government approved daily exercise during lockdown.

He said: "I think the photo contrasts the marks of human misbehaviour and pollution with the natural world and all it's beauty.

"The contrast between the two is quite striking."

Rt Revd Gavin Collins will lead the Creationtide service at St Mary's at 10.45am on Sunday October 6 followed by a procession to the river via Buttercross and Langdale Gate at 11.45am and the blessing at the river at 12.15pm.

The public may join at any time.