THE Bishop of Gloucester has honoured two people from Cirencester with long service awards after devoting years to helping the church.

The Right Reverend Michael Perham gave Brian Bruton and Jim Harris, along with 21 others from across the county, the awards at a special ceremony held in Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday, February 8.

Recipients of the award are being recognised for their dedication to the diocese and will become known as the Company of St Kyneburga.

Bishop Michael said: “The Company of St Kyneburga is a group of people who have served the churches in Gloucestershire with distinction and in a way that many wish to honour.”

Cirencester-born Brian Burton has been involved with the Parish Church for 70 years, having started out as a choirboy before progressing to Head Server and Sacristan.

Having retired from his official duties two Christmases ago, Brian still remains an active member in the church activities.

Rev Jim Harris, who has lived in Cirencester since retiring in 2002, was ordained at Gloucester Cathedral in 1962 and served the county for all his working life.

He is passionate about the worldwide mission of the church and has raised large sums of money for parishes in Madagascar, where he was made Honorary Canon in 2000 after 40 years of financial support.

Last week the Bishop of Gloucester announced that he will step down from his role, after more than 10 years, in November.

A special service will take place to celebrate his time as Bishop of Gloucester on Saturday, November 8.