THIRTY people from the newly formed ministry area of Barry have joined forces to help clear the overgrown grounds of one of their six churches.

Priests, readers, church officers and congregation members swapped hymn books for garden tools as and hacked back the undergrowth around Merthyr Dyfan Church on Saturday, March 18.

The work day was part of their Lent stewardship campaign as people gave up their time to help the community.

The Rector, Father Ben Andrews, said: “It was wonderful to have people come together from throughout the ministry area to work jointly on a project at one church. We certainly made a real difference by working together to clear the undergrowth and open up the church grounds.

“We hope that this will help the church community to engage with the local community especially the local schools and new housing estates. This work day demonstrated that by working together and sharing resources and talents, we can be stronger in our mission and outreach.”

The church of St Dyfan and St Teilo is believed to be built on the oldest site of Christian worship in the country.

Llandaff diocesan resources officer Rob Webb said: “Stewardship is not just about giving money, it is about giving time and talent and the work carried out has made a huge difference for the whole community served by this ancient and beautiful church.”

The creation of the new Rectorial Benefice of Barry, which works as a ministry area, was celebrated at a special service last September.