FOUR hundred people witnessed three children and one adult baptised in the River Tavy on Sunday in the fourth service of its kind described as a 'powerful and moving testimony to Christian faith'.

The baptisms, carried out by the Bishop of Crediton the Rt Rev Nick McKinnel ably assisted by Tavistock vicar the Rev Michael Brierley and naval chaplain the Rev Matt Godfrey from Crapstone, took place just below Abbey Bridge and were followed by 20 confirmations back at St Eustachius Church.

Mr Brierley said: 'That part of the river is made for outdoor baptisms because people can line the river both sides, it has a shallow entry but is deep enough for the immersion baptisms.

'It was a wonderfully moving event and once we had completed the ceremonies everybody burst into spontaneous applause. It is a brave thing for people to do to be baptised in the river.

'Baptisms were originally in the river so to be able to do this, for the fourth year running, is a very powerful and moving testimony to the Christian faith.'

Pictured is the Rt Rev Nick McKinnel holding Hannah, who was baptised in the river.?Also shown are the Rev Matt Godfrey and the Rev Michael Brierley.

More pictures on pages 18 & 31.

Picture by James Bird