THE Bishop of Gloucester hitched a ride behind a tractor as she celebrated Rogation Sunday in the Forest.

The Rt Rev Rachel Treweek joined some 50 people in Awre for the traditional blessing of the land.

The rogation days take place in the run-up to Ascension Day tomorrow (Thursday) and was traditionally associated with beating the bounds, the saying of prayers around the boundary of a parish.

Two tractors each pulled a decorated trailer carrying the faithful around the village stopping for prayers and songs at various points including the village hall, local farms and the war memorial.

Bishop Rachel was not put off by light rain “in this wonderful place” as the tractors set off from Awre village hall.

She said: “It is wonderful to be here. “It is quite right it is raining because we are praying for the blessing of the land and it wouldn’t be looking so green and beautiful if we didn’t have the rain – but we could do with a bit of sunshine too.

“It is very special because it is the end of Eastertide as we move towards Ascension Day on Thursday and we give thanks for Christ’s new life.

“As we travel around we will see signs of that new life reflected in this beautiful place.”