Produced by the Church of England, Hope and Biblica, the souvenir Diamond Jubilee edition of the New Testament was created to be given away by local churches at their Diamond Jubilee events and initiatives.

It includes eight pages of images from the Coronation and the Queen's life, linking her 60-year reign and her Christian faith.

There is a suggested reading section with Bible references on various topics and a clear guide to help readers understand the significance of Christ's birth, life, death and resurrection.

The text is the British New International Version 2011, which has been 'donated' by Biblica.

Archdeacon of Worcester, Roger Morris, said:

"The Queen was given a copy the bible at her Coronation and during the service it is referred to as ‘the most valuable thing'. It's therefore a fitting way to celebrate 60 years of faithful service to give others this gift of God's word."

Some of the New Testaments given out were:

• At St Mary's CE Primary School, Kingswinford, where they were a huge success among parents at the school Jubilee party. The school will also give 30 to their leavers in the summer.
• The Bridge church (formerly St Lukes), Redditch, distributed the New Testaments to St Luke's First School and Walkwood Middle School as well as to all their church children's groups including Boys and Girls Brigade, Brownies, Young Fishes and toddlers group. Any children attending church were also given them. In all the church distributed 1,200.
• The benefice of Badsey with Aldington, Offenham and Bretforton gave away 800 Jubilee New Testaments. They went to every child in the schools in the Benefice Badsey First School, Offenham C of E First School, Bretforton First School and Blackminster Middle School.
• The benefice of Inkberrow, Cookhill, Kington and Dormston bought 300 which went like wildfire when they were given out at two services at left in church over the Jubilee weekend.
• Defford and Besford C of E First School ordered the New Testaments for each of their pupils. They were also distributed to those who attended the Village Picnic on 5th June, and in school to those who did not.
• The combined benefices of Upton and Hanley and Welland bought 650 copies, which were given out to children in the primary schools and pre-schools in Upton, Hanley Swan and Welland as well as to older children in Welland who attend the church Youth Group. There are still some copies available for any children or young people who did not get them through school and would like one.
• St Edburga in Leigh are taking copies into local schools through their Open the Book sessions.
• St. Mary's Church, Stanford with Orleton, distributed 32 - a Bible to each child in Stanford with Orleton and also 10 to interested children in neighbouring parishes.
• 100 copies were purchased by Christ Church, Quarry Bank - 50 were given out at a Jubilee Thanksgiving Service - to children, couples who are getting married in 2012 and were present at the service, to grandparents for their grandchildren. The other 50 will be distributed to the members of the 1st Christ Church Rainbows & Brownies. Churches Together in Brierley Hill also purchased a 100 - some were distributed at a Beacon Lighting Event at St.Michael's, Brierley Hill & others at a Jubilee Community Event organised primarily by St.John's. Brockmoor.
• St. Martin's Church in Worcester gave New Testaments out to Year 6 pupils of Red Hill C of E Primary School after their Jubilee Celebrations on Friday 1st June. On Sunday 3 June St Martin's had a Special Service to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and all children attending received the New Testament.
• The PCC at St. Andrew's, Netherton purchased New Testaments for all children at Netherton C of E Primary School. Year 6 received theirs before half-term, the rest of the school will get them towards the end of June.
• The benefice of St. Andrew's, Malvern and Malvern Wells and Wyche gave out New Testaments to The Holiday @ Home Guests at a Diamond Jubilee tea party on 30 May as well as to each family that attended the Big Jubilee Lunch at the Malvern Wells Village hall. Copies were also handed out to the teachers and staff in both the Wells and Wyche Primary schools.