THE St Andrew's patronal service at St Andrew's Church in Bere Ferrers on November 29 was special this year as it marked the 30th anniversary of the threatened closure of the church.

The threatened redundancy had resulted in villagers successfully rallying to save the church, raising the money necessary for the repairs to the building.

The proposed closure had been announced by the then Archdeacon of Plymouth.

His successor, the Ven Tony Wilds, presided at the service and preached the sermon, entitled 'Witnesses, watchmen and weavers'.

The archdeacon, who was welcomed by the Rev Nick Law, gave thanks for St Andrew's Church as a place of worship over the years and said it had become a rock to build on for the future.

Some of the former villagers who had campaigned to save the church returned for the service.

Lay readers Harry Davies and Sheila Gay participated in the service.

St Andrew's Singers also took part and the organist was Ann Parsons.

Refreshments were provided by The Olde Plough Inn.