TWENTY-FOUR hour prayer people Alan Smithers and Roland Collins are staging a one-day prayer marathon in churches of all denominations throughout West Devon next month.

The two men, who set up a small prayer group in Germansweek 18 months ago, have decided to attempt a 24-hour prayer marathon to promote prayer and meditation as well as Christian unity.

With help from friends and two other members of the prayer group, Alan and Roland hope their pilgrimage can take in more than 20 churches within a 12-mile radius of Germansweek.

Venues which the prayer group will be visiting include Germansweek Church, Northlew Church and Chapel, Inwardleigh Church, Boasley Cross Chapel, Bratton Clovelly Church, Eworthy Chapel, All Saints, New Life, Baptist, St Boniface and Fairplace churches of Okehampton, Bridestowe Church and Chapel, Sourton Church followed by a walk on the moor, Broadley Chapel, Lifton Church and Chapel, Broadwoodwidger Church, Kelly Church, Lewtrenchard Church, Rexon Cross Chapel, Stowford Church and Thrushelton Church.

The around-the-clock prayer marathon and vigil will take place during August 28 and 29.

Alan said: ?We aim to visit all denominations, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, New Life and the Church of England, hopefully laying a few small stepping stones to the greater use of prayer.

?By promoting the marathon outside of church and chapel publications we hope to reach members of the public who might find church and prayer difficult.

?Some of the prayers will highlight the hunger, disasters and wars of our world today.?

Alan said anyone was more than welcome to join in, either by sitting in on individual prayer sessions, taking an active part with readings or just tagging along for part of the journey.

The group is also keen to encourage the growing phenomenon of taking on prayer requests, and is happy to include those who telephone with personal prayer requests.

To find out more about the prayer marathon telephone 01837 871314 or 01566 783417.