MORE than 350 people lined the banks of the River Tavy in Tavistock at the end of last month, to support three young children being christened in the river. The baptisms were part of the annual service held at St Eustachius Church which this year saw eleven candidates being con?rmed. Churches from across the wider Tavistock area, along with friends and family of this year's candidates, joined with regular members of St Eustachius Church in a special service led by Bishop Martin Shaw. Half way through the service the congregation walks down to the river where prayers are said and all the candidates get wet. One of the ministers involved the Rev Andy Barton, said: 'Water is a powerful symbol of the new life that everyone can receive through faith in God. 'We believe that when someone is christened with water the past is washed away and a new start is made.' Alongside the baptism and con?rmation candidates were others who chose to af?rm their faith or be received into the Church of England. They had previously undertaken some form of preparation and then chosen to make a public response via this annual service. Amongst those being con?rmed this year were local students, including three from Kelly College.