AN invitation to farmers, gardeners and allotment holders. Revival of Plough Sunday tradition.

One of the great traditions of rural England is being revived by St Giles' Church, Ludford.

Plough Sunday originally marked the start of the farming year after the end of the 12 days of celebrating Christmas. There would be a special service when ploughs, other implements and sometimes livestock were brought to church to be blessed. The congregation prayed that their year's work would bring a good harvest. Then on the next day, Plough Monday, everyone went back to work; which in those days meant winter ploughing.

These services are still held in other parts of the country, but have not taken place in the Ludlow area for many years.

As the most rural of the town's churches, St Giles wants to reinforce the age-old link between our market town and the farming community it serves. This is particularly important when farmers are having a very difficult time.

The church will hold its first Plough Sunday service at 11.15am on Sunday. Anyone who produces food on a farm or allotment, or in their own garden, is most welcome to join in. Garden tools can be taken for blessing, and there will be tea, coffee and home-made cake after the service.

Access to St Giles' Church is through the large wrought-iron gateway opposite 'The Charlton Arms'.