Birch trees have been used to decorate a church for Pentecost in a tradition dating back 200 years.
The trees from Longleat Forest, on the Longleat estate in Wiltshire, owned by Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath and patron of St John the Baptist Church, were used to adorn the Frome church.
Churchwarden Neil McCormick said: "The displaying of birch branches within the church is a tradition we know has taken place at Pentecost thanks to the generosity of the Thynn family for at least 200 years.
"It is the first species to come back after a forest fire and is seen as a symbol of new life.
"If there is a breeze, the rustling of the leaves also reminds us of the wind that the Bible tells us accompanied the Holy Spirit."
The vicar of St John's, Rev, Seamus Hargrave, added: "Birch trees are also a reminder to the Church that, though it celebrates a birthday two millennia ago, there are always fresh saplings and signs of new life to nurture to fullness."
Head forester at Longleat, Jim McConkie, said: "We are delighted to support St John’s which is thought to be the only church in the UK which continues with the tradition."
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