HUTTON Rudby welcomed the bishops of Whitby and Middlesbrough, the chairman of the Darlington Methodist district and the Abbot of Ampleforth for two services and an open air procession to launch a new ecumenical partnership.

The historic partnership was signed on Sunday and was the culmination of many years of co-operation between Anglicans, Catholics and Methodists in the area.

It formally pledged the three denominations to worship and work more closely with each other.

The sun came out and the weather was glorious as the memorable event began with a service at the Methodist church in North Side.

Chairman of the Darlington Methodist district, the Rev Graham Carter, welcomed the congregation. Then the Wesleyan hymn Christ from whom all blessings flow was sung.

Prayers of thanksgiving were said by the vicar of All Saints', Canon David Lickess.

Mrs Connie Lennox, representing the Methodists, and Mrs Delia Terry, a member of St Mary's Catholic church at Crathorne, read from the Bible.

A prayer of repentance was led by the Catholic parish priest, Fr Terence Richardson.

Another hymn from the Methodist tradition was sung - What shall our greeting be? .

Once the service was over, worshippers paraded down the village green with colourful banners and a large cross. Prayers and speeches were said outside a Catholic family's home in North Side.

The Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Rt Rev John Crowley, reflected on the church serving the local community and the world today. A prayer was said by Mrs Ann Pyle, an Anglican and clerk to the parish council, followed by the traditional Lord's Prayer. This was followed by a traditional Catholic hymn, The Spirit lives ... walk in the light.

The procession made its way down the bank towards All Saints' church, as the bells rang.

Once inside, children from Hutton Rudby primary school sang Children of the world and danced, before interweaving with each other and forming a symbolic cross.

The Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Rev Robert Ladds, spoke about the ecumenical partnership and the church's work in rural areas.

A collection was taken for the Belfast-based Cornerstone Community, which works for reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

The Anglican hymn The church's one foundation was sung, and the Abbot of Ampleforth, the Rt Rev Timothy Wright OSB, was welcomed. He gave a sermon which focused on the common ground between Christian denominations. He congratulated the ecumenical congregation on the partnership and challenged them to focus on the big issues facing society, rather than the "contentious issues of church ritual".

He invited them all to a forthcoming synod at Ampleforth, saying: "We hope to see you there - experts on the word of God!"

Intercession prayers were said by the Stokesley Methodist circuit superintendent, the Rev Richard Bradshaw.

Two more hymns were sung - Make me a channel of your peace and Thy hand O God has guided.

Finally, the important declaration if intent and covenant for unity was read by Mrs Margaret Donaldson, Mrs Diane Gent and Mrs Kay Gifford. The three women had been closely involved with ecumenical developments.

Church leaders were joined at the altar by representatives from each congregation: Mrs Vannessa Hausey, Mr Ian Donaldson, Mr Stan Lennox and Mr David Taylor. Each individual signed the covenant for unity.

A final blessing was given. Refreshments were served after the ceremony.