CHURCHES across Worcestershire and the Black Country are being urged to ring out their support for a royal milestone.

Worcester Cathedral will be leading celebrations to mark the day when The Queen becomes Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

The anniversary will be on Wednesday September 9 and bells are set to ring out across the region from noon to commemorate 64 years of her reign.

Bishop of Worcester, The Rt Revd John Inge, said: “This is a very significant day on which Her Majesty the Queen’s reign will surpass that of Queen Victoria.

"I encourage as much ringing as possible in the Diocese on that day and during the week as a mark of appreciation not only of the length of the Queen’s reign but of her magnificent Christian service throughout it. Long may she reign.”

In Kidderminster, Holy Innocents Church is planting 64 daffodil bulbs to mark the 64 years on the throne.

The church will also be open on September 10 and 11 where there will be displays and memorabilia marking the event.

On Sunday September 13 there will be a service led by the Archdeacon of Dudley followed by the planting of a Queen Elizabeth rose.

The Church of England has also published a prayer to mark the occasion:

Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ exchanged the glory of a heavenly throne for the form of a servant, we thank you that you have given Elizabeth our Queen a heart to serve her people, and have kept her devoted in this service beyond all who were before her: encourage us by her example to serve one another, and to seek the common good, until you call us all to reign with Christ in your eternal kingdom.

Amen.