BALLOONS carrying prayers rose towards heaven following a new ecumenical service in Marlborough attended by more than 80 people.

Worshippers of all ages and from all the churches in the town gathered together at St George's at Preshute on Sunday evening to celebrate the feast of Pentecost.

St George's Church had been decorated with flames and doves, symbols of Pentecost created by Vincent Stokes from Marlborough College art department and children from Preshute School, Manton.

Worshippers were invited to write their own prayer for Marlborough on to labels which were then attached to one of the many flame-coloured helium balloons filling the church.

After the service, the balloons were let off and formed an amazing sight as the wind lifted them high over Marlborough, almost joining in with a flock of geese that had flown past just a moment earlier

Team vicar, the Rev Lynn Busfield who led the service, said: "The service itself was a wonderful tapestry of music and prayers from different Christian traditions as well as stories and readings linking our own lives to the gospel story.

"If you find one of the prayers in your back garden, please consider making that your own prayer for the town and people of Marlborough."

The service was organised through the Ecumenical Partnership which includes Anglicans, Methodists, Roman Catholics and the Society of Friends.

It followed an Easter Sunday gathering on Marlborough College playing fields when people flew kites.