A vicar celebrated his 25-year anniversary with a cardboard cutout of himself in an Swindon Town shirt and hat.

From Friday, October 6 to Sunday, October 8, the Christ Church community celebrated Reverand Simon Stevenette's anniversary at St Mary’s church in Swindon.

The celebrations started by replicating Simon's first day as a vicar in the morning at Holy Rood. 17 people were there on October, 6, 1998 as well as being there the same day 25 years later.Swindon Advertiser:

In the evening a service of thanksgiving was held to celebrate Simon’s service to the church. Around 250 people attended to celebrate his work, and the service has been uploaded to YouTube.

Simon, 61, said: "I don't find it easy (to talk) about my own success as all I know is that leadership is a privilege.

"Just reading the cards and the letters and the emails have touched, humbled and encouraged me, we love Swindon.

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"It was a very humbling time and a very wonderful time. The service went extremely well, we were very moved.

"On one hand you give blessings and love and on the other hand, you receive blessings and love.

"I was very aware of those who I had baptised and who I had married as well as those who had died."

Simon dedicated the service to both of his parents who have now died. Simon also shared how appreciative he was of the support of the entire community and how much he enjoyed the celebrations across the weekend.

Swindon Advertiser: Chris Smith, Christ Church site operations manager, said: “Simon was blown away by the thought that had gone into his celebration and loved seeing a life-size mock-up of himself in a Swindon Town Shirt, which he of course enjoyed posing with.

"We are grateful for his energy and faithful commitment to Christ Church over the last 25 years and look forward to many more.”

Reverand Geoffrey Gleed said: "It felt it was a very uplifting service for a man who well deserved the credit that was being given to him for his 25 years ministry in Old Town Swindon."

Margaret Williams, former headmistress of Lainesmead Primary School and Oliver Tompkins School said:  “The one thing that Simon has by the bucket load is enthusiasm.  Enthusiasm for the gospel and enthusiasm for sport.”

The events ended with a Holy Communion which was held by Simon on Sunday.