THE Bishop of Swindon will be rolling up his sleeves and donning Marigolds in support of Swindon Night Shelter tomorrow, Good Friday.

The Rt Rev Lee Rayfield is taking part in the Church of England’s Washday initiative, which will see him helping homeless visitors and volunteers at the centre based at St Mary’s Church in Rodbourne Cheney.

The Church of England launched Washday as a new take on Maundy Thursday, when traditionally church people have washed people’s feet as a way of telling the story of the Last Supper, when the Bible states that Christ washed his disciples’ feet.

Washday encourages people to take part in good causes during Lent and Holy Week.

It is an opportunity to go out and wash anything and everything from cleaning windows for people who would find that difficult, washing a car, washing clothes for homeless people or washing up mugs in an office.

At the shelter, the bishop will be serving food and drinks, and of course washing up, which he said he was looking forward to doing.

“I’m delighted to be supporting the Washday campaign,” he said.

“It’s a great way to show that Christians are not afraid of getting their hands dirty in the service of others and demonstrating what loving your neighbour really means.

“The Swindon Night Shelter is an amazing example of what our churches are doing to support those in need in their communities.

“I will consider it an honour to spend a few hours on Good Friday working alongside the volunteers.”

The Swindon Night Shelter runs every Friday night and is overseen by volunteers.

They provide homeless people in the Swindon area with a free bed for the night, as well as a shower, a hot meal and fellowship.

Becky Davison, one of the centre’s volunteers, said dozens of people used the facility and that the bishop’s help would be hugely appreciated.

“The night shelter is always very busy serving up to 30 guests so we are looking forward to the bishop’s help and support,” she said.

“Washday is a great idea and provides some really practical help where it’s needed most, at a time when Christians focus on the final days of Christ’s life and his ultimate act of service for us.”

The shelter is keen to welcome new volunteers and donations. Anyone able to help can email info@swindonnightshelter.org.uk.

For further details about Washday visit www.washday.org.