THOUSANDS of worshippers are expected to gather outside the Steam Heritage Centre on Sunday to celebrate Pentecost.

Traditionally celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, the Christian festival of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

A similar service held at the County Ground in 2000 drew 3,000 worshippers a figure the Bishop of Swindon, Right Revd Michael Doe, wants to top.

He said: "A great deal will depend upon the weather, but we are hopeful of a very large crowd. It's a wonderful opportunity to publicly show our commitment to our faith and to each other and our commitment to serve the wider Swindon community."

The service will feature all the town's church leaders and the Bishop of Clifton, Rt Revd Declan Lang, will give a reading.

Peter Knight, the former Gloucester, England and British Lions rugby player, will give a personal testimony of his conversion to the Christian faith leading to him becoming a clergyman in Swindon.

The Rodbourne Baptist Music Group and the Salvation Army will also take part.

People attending the service are asked to wear something red as a symbol of Pentecost.

If you need further information, call Swindon 538654.