THE new year has officially started for the farming community now that a plough has been blessed.
The centuries-old custom of blessing the plough marks the first farm working day after Christmas and was celebrated at a pub near Worcester.
Representatives of local farmers gathered at the Talbot at Knightwick on Sunday, which was Plough Sunday.
They asked for the church's blessing for the forthcoming year's crops.
Meanwhile, the Reverend Robert Barlow, chaplain for agriculture and rural life in the Diocese of Worcester, conducted an outdoor service at the Teme Valley market.
John and Jill Hammonds represented the local farmers while Madeleine Brewin provided the music for market customers and traders.
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