Druidry is to become the first pagan practice to be given official recognition as a religion.

BBC: Druidry to be classed as religion by Charity Commission

The decision will also mean that druidry will have the status of a genuine faith.

BBC: Druidry to be classed as religion by Charity Commission

The commission says the network's work in promoting druidry as a religion is in the public interest.

BBC: Druidry to be classed as religion by Charity Commission

Its leader, or bard, Tony Jameson, says Druidry is functioning more and more as a mainstream religion.

BBC: UK

Druidry was one the first known spiritual practices in Britain, and druids existed in Celtic societies elsewhere in Europe as well.

BBC: Druidry to be classed as religion by Charity Commission

After a four-year inquiry, the Charity Commission decided that druidry offered coherent practices for the worship of a supreme being, and provided a beneficial moral framework.

BBC: Druidry to be classed as religion by Charity Commission

Druidry's followers are not restricted to one god or creator, but worship the spirit they believe inhabits the earth and forces of nature such as thunder.

BBC: Druidry to be classed as religion by Charity Commission