Members of churches in the North Wilts Mission Area have gathered to celebrate the signing of their covenant.

Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, spoke at the special service, which saw more than 70 people from across the 31 churches gather to commit to the vision.

Revd Oliver Ross, vicar of Malmesbury Abbey and lead for the North Wilts Mission Area, said: "We had a wonderful service to inaugurate and sign the covenant for the North Wilts Mission Area.

"There was a group of 70 of us being sent out as Jesus did in Luke. We gathered from all over the area to worship and commit ourselves to working together in the power of the Spirit and following His call.

"As Revd Steve Wilkinson (rector of the Woodbridge benefice) prayed for each of the churches, the marquee was filled with a rush of wind.

"In looking back and recalling what the Holy Spirit has done with us over the last 1,500 years of Christian witness in most of the 31 churches, we are committed to working together to be open to the call of the Holy Spirit for the future and, in His power, be prepared for today."

A Mission Area brings together parishes committed to developing a coordinated approach to mission across a wider geographical area; to focus, share and multiply mission resources and practice; and to provide a context in which new leaders and ministers can explore vocation and develop in a mission focused setting.