Dating back to before churches had paved floors, a unique tradition is celebrated annually at a Macclesfield chapel.

St. Stephen's, known locally as the Forest Chapel, in Macclesfield Forest, is holding a Rushbearing Service later this month.

Taking place on the first Sunday after August 12, the tradition goes that rushes were spread on the earthen floors of churches to keep them clean, warm and smelling pleasant.

Written church records show that the Forest Chapel has been celebrating rushbearing since the late eighteenth century.

In other parts of the country, this annual, renewable floor covering is believed to date back to the fifteenth century.

However, the Great Plague of 1665-6 saw many churches abandon the tradition for health reasons.

St Stephen's in Macclesfield Forest (Credit: Nub News)

The Forest Chapel was originally built in 1673 and rebuilt in 1834, and the medieval tradition was revived when it was rebuilt.

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A post on St Stephen's' Facebook page reads: "As Summer Solstice bows out, soon comes the annual Rushbearing Ceremony at St. Stephen's.

"The uplifting and renewal of old reeds, from the floors in an ancient church, to receive freshly cut rushes combined with sunflowers."

This 'renewal of old reeds' takes place post-harvest time, and the changeover is celebrated as a symbol of spiritual renewal.

As well as the rushes being strewn on the floor between pews, the chapel is decorated with plaited rushes interwoven with flowers.

The Rushbearing Service will take place at the Forest Chapel at 3pm on August 17.

Banner for this year's service (Credit: Nub News)