A New York man who has spent years writing out every word in the Bible is finally penning the last lines.

Phillip Patterson, 63, of Philmont, began copying the complete King James Bible in his neat, looping handwriting in 2009. He spent two years copying the first five books of the Bible as a prototype before starting afresh.

Mr Patterson completed the final lines of the Book of Revelation last night during a ceremony at St Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, near the Massachusetts border.

Mr Patterson said he started the project to learn about the Bible, not as a spiritual quest, but found it had helped him become more patient, confident and loving.

But his efforts were slowed by his health problems, including Aids and anaemia.

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