CATHOLICS in Dulverton have received national recognition for the work they have done to raise awareness of sustainability issues.

Dulverton is the smallest parish in the Clifton diocese but was the second parish nationally to gain the LiveSimply award.

The award is a joint initiative of Catholic aid agency CAFOD and the ecumenical group Eco-congregation and recognises the lead Dulverton Catholics have taken in inspiring people to live simply, in solidarity with people in poverty and sustainably with creation.

A plaque made from recycled church pews was presented to the parish by the Bishop of Clifton, the Rt Rev Declan Lang, at a short service led by parish priest Fr Michael Thomas.

It was attended by local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger, county councillor Frances Nicholson and representatives of other local churches and community groups.

And an especially welcome guest was former parish priest Fr Robert Miller, making his first return visit to Dulverton since moving to a larger parish in Wiltshire at the end of 2011.

After the service, 40 parishioners and guests were entertained to a hot lunch prepared by the parish's LiveSimply team and helpers in the Congregational Hall.

Bishop Declan congratulated the parish for its work with the local community as well as for raising over £8,000 for Reaching the Unreached, a charity working with some of India's poorest people.

He also paid tribute to Fr Miller, who during his 13 years in Dulverton had strongly encouraged parishioners to engage with 'green' and sustainable development issues.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Church Council, chairman Jean Hurley thanked the LiveSimply team of Hugh Croft, April Golding and Lindy Head for inspiring everyone to think more carefully about what we have and how we use it.

The installation of the photovoltaic panels and insulation of the church roof had dramatically reduced the parish's carbon footprint, while a range of simple events including meals, walks and an annual open day had brought a dispersed congregation together and increased awareness of the goodness of God's creation.

Lindy Head, Dulverton's LiveSimply project leader, said: "This award will encourage people to think about how we can live our lives less encumbered by the trappings of consumerism.

"Pope Francis, in his inaugural homily, has called on all of us to be protectors of each other and of the environment. I hope that his leadership will ensure that the LiveSimply message is heard far beyond Exmoor.