A RECENT service to celebrate the new roof and refurbishment of the Tavistock United Reformed Church was well attended.

The service was led by the Rev Roger Cornish, minister of Tavistock URC and the Rev Ruth Whitehead, moderator of the URC South Western Synod.

The service was well attended by many members and dignitaries, including West Devon MP Geoffrey Cox, Tavistock deputy mayor Cllr Sue Bailey, deputy mayor of West Devon David Cloke and representatives of many organisations.

The funding for the new roof project came mainly from the congregation's efforts, several small grants and a large grant from Biffa.

There is still around £40,000 to raise but the church is always looking beyond its own needs and a collection at the service raised enough to purchase 21 olive trees for Palestinian farmers.

The Rev Roger Cornish said: 'We exist to enable people to enjoy life in all its fullness and to work for a better world that fulfils God's dream for the world.

'One of the projects this church has supported in recent times is Embrace the Middle East's olive tree project. In the last 46 years, Palestinian farmers have lost 800,000 olive trees.

'Trees planted by their fathers, grandfathers and great grandfathers have been destroyed or uprooted as a result of occupation and settlers seeking to claim the land as their own.

'Last September we sponsored 25 olive trees and a further seven at our recent film showing on Gaza.

'By purchasing olive trees we can help the Palestinian people maintain their ancient ties to the land, preserving an important source of income and sustenance.'