MORE than 300 people took part in a river baptism and open air confirmation event in Tavistock on Sunday and once again the sun was shining.

Five children were baptised in the River Tavy and 16 people from teenagers to OAPs were confirmed in the open air service in St Estachius churchyard.

The ceremonies were performed by the Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev John Ford.

Assistant parish administrator Lyn Jenkins said the event began three years ago and each time the sun had come out, the weather having been inclement in the run -up to the baptisms.

'It has become a very popular event and this year it was particularly significant because it was the last confirmation for the Rev Geoff Lloyd, the rural dean of the Tavistock Deanery, who is retiring and moving away to Canada,' she said.

Mr Lloyd has been based at Horrabridge since 2004.