PRAYERS will be said before the start of official business on agendas of full town council meetings in Okehampton, following a decision this week.

The National Secular Society and an atheist ex-councillor last month won a test case ruling that Bideford Town Council was acting unlawfully by putting prayers on meeting agendas.

It is understood the ritual dates back in Bideford to the days of Queen Elizabeth I, and the council has recently voted twice to retain it.

The ruling has had implications for councils across Devon and Cornwall, who have had to reconsider their practices.

Until now, Okehampton Town Council have had prayers as part of its full council meetings as an agenda item. Clergy from various churches of the town have given prayers on a rota basis.

The town council will now say prayers before the start of official business, instead of including it as an agenda item.

Cllr Mike Davies is pastor of the Inspiration Church in Okehampton, and was passionate about keeping prayers in council meetings in some format.

'I think something like this has been expected over the years. I do strongly believe that prayers should remain as part of the constitution, or at least stay as part of the meetings.

'Not only is it a spiritual issue, but it is also a tradition as well that has gone on for centuries, and not something that should be lost.'

Mayor Maureen McDonald backed up Cllr Davies' sentiments:

Cllr McDonald said: 'For the time being it seems the sensible and lawful option to have prayers before official business starts.

'As has always been the case, if people wish not to take part, they don't have to, or they can leave the room if they feel that strongly, and return once the prayer has been said.'

Cllr Mike Davies was the first to give prayers under the new guideline.