MORE than 50 people gathered together in a farm barn to celebrate the ancient ceremony that marks Rogationtide in the countryside calendar.

The special service was held at Brobury, on the Hereford to Brecon road.

"We held this service at New Court Farm in the tiny village of Brobury last year and it seemed a good idea to go back and see just how the farming year had gone," said Rev Roger James, the vicar of nine Borderlink Parishes.

"As we heard, it has not been a good one for our farmers."

"The service from the farm was the idea of the parish and it was a great one, added Diocese of Hereford spokesman Anni Holden.

"The local 'Monday Choir' was augmented by the local birds, who sang along with gusto.

"The service also included a solo from 14 year old harpist, Frances Hughes. It was a special service that I hope the listeners will enjoy - and others if they go online."

Rogation Sunday is traditionally the day parishioners walked the boundaries of the parish and prayers are said for good crops.

In the Diocese of Hereford, the most rural diocese in the Church of England, nearly 80 per cent of churches still mark the day.