The importance of buying locally-sourced food is being preached from the pulpits of churches across Oxford.

The Diocesan Synod - the decision-making body for the diocese - has agreed to back a call for all churches to use local food at meetings and social gatherings wherever possible.

And it is hoped congregations will continue to keep the pledge when it comes to filling their own shopping baskets at home.

The Church of England has launched a Shrinking the Footprint campaign, which aims to try to tackle climate change in "faith, practice and mission".

The pledge to use local produce by local churches aims to support rural communities and businesses - cutting down on unnecessary food mileage and reducing carbon emissions.

The Rev Anne Hartley, 54, of St Mary's Church, Shipton- under-Wychwood is co-ordinating the new initiative.

She said: "My husband Mike is a farmer at Manor Farm in the village and it is my job to promote rural issues, but this drive to use local produce has come from local churches themselves.

"Recently our church put on a meal for a visit from Swedish clergy and all the ingredients were locally produced.

"It took a while to get all the ingredients but we managed it eventually and we are encouraging all local churches to do the same."

The pledge encourages churches to use local produce wherever possible alongside fairtrade goods, such as tea and coffee.

It was supported unanimously by members, who are appointed from churches across the three counties of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

The Diocese of Oxford helps support those struggling to maintain a living in the countryside.

The Rev Richard Hancock, area dean for the Vale of the White Horse, added: "What makes no sense is that food produced locally, which does end up in local shops, has first had to travel some 60 to 100 miles to a distribution centre before being driven back in another lorry so I can put it in my shopping basket."