A WAVE of prayer saw thousands come together to mark the Church's birthday.

Winchester Cathedral was at the heart of the national celebration after being chosen as one of just six national beacons.

It hosted a special Pentecost service which saw 3,000 people pray together as part of a nine-day event celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit to the disciples - the moment regarded by Christians as the birth of the Church and the start of its mission to the world.

People at thousands of churches across the country prayed for the renewal of the Holy Spirit and confidence to share their faith while young Christians were encouraged to pray for passion and confidence in proclaiming the Gospel.

The Wave of Prayer was sparked by a call from Justin Welby the Archbishop of Canterbury and John Sentamu the Archbishop of York who urged people to take part and inspired the six beacon services at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Winchester Cathedral, Durham Cathedral, Coventry Cathedral, St Michael le Belfrey in York and Canterbury Cathedral.

The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke to Hampshire churchgoers via videolink at the service in Winchester led by the Bishop of Basingstoke David Williams led the Winchester event alongside prayer champion Carla Harding of Christian movement 24-7 Prayer.

Churchgoers enjoyed sung worship with singer-songwriter Matt Redman while 14 people were baptised at the event including 13-year-old Holly Grace Catto.