THE spiritual painting by local artist Arthur Read was unveiled at Tavistock Parish Church during Sunday's Advent Service.

'The Dawn of the Third Millennium', depicts a celestial cross-shaped cloud floating over a dew-drenched Dartmoor landscape.

Mayor of Tavistock Roger Mathew did the honours and the painting was dedicated by the Vicar of Tavistock, the Rev John Rawlings.

'The vicar made a lovely speech,' said Mr Read, who attended the service with his wife Jenny and family.

'I'm extremely pleased. To have a painting dedicated in a church is a great honour. This is absolutely super and I'm delighted.'

Mr Read said the congregation all went up to look at the painting after the service.

'It is for future generations because in milli-seconds I'm gone and forgotten — but this picture will be around for as long as the paint stays on which should be for a very long time!'

In creating the composition, Mr Read's aim was to paint something that united church and town — and illustrate the power of God over the natural world.