A church has been praised as a "shining light" for its work in the community in a national report launched this week.

All Saints Church in Harrow Weald was named by think tank ResPublica in its report into the work of churches in the community and how they help build the Big Society - a concept espoused by Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Uxbridge Road church was singled out for its work developing the 'forest school' in its grounds to introduce children from schools across the borough to green spaces.

Vicar the Reverend James Mercer said: “I think the report celebrates All Saints' engagement with the community and that the Big Society is already happening in churches.

“It is exciting for the All Saints to be recognised for its work, especially the forest school which is a chance for the church to work and help the wider community.

"The school itself has been very successful and we have had great feedback from schools who have used it.

“It provides a place for pupils who may not necessarily do well in mainstream education. The chance to really enjoy learning.”

The report was compiled by the Prime Minister’s former policy guru, Phillip Blond and launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

Mr Blond said: “All Saints Church exemplifies the merits of the Big Society. The people involved are a shining light in our community and we need more like them.”

As a whole, the report highlights the work of churches and praises them for the huge range of activities they organise, and found eighty per cent of Anglicans volunteer.

All Saints first came up with a plan for community engagement in 2009 with its own 27 page report entitled ‘All Saints Serving Harrow’.

The following year the church embarked on creating the Forest School, working in partnership with Harrow Borough Council.