EIGHT people were baptised in the River Dee at Chester at the weekend.

156 people gathered to support the eight baptism and confirmation candidates by Christ Church with Bishop John Hayden of Chester Diocese.

Each of the participants said what the baptism meant to them before joining Reverands Ralph Kemp and Glyn Jones in water to be baptised. The bishop then confirmed the candidates on the river bank and led the crowd in a communion.

Revd Graham Shaw said: “This was a fantastic morning and a real highlight of our church year. This is the second year we have done this and we hope will continue to be an annual event at Christ Church.

“Thank you to Bishop John and all the candidates who braved the river and allowed us to celebrate with them in the sunshine.”

The morning finished with a picnic by the river.

Christ Church is the Church of England Parish church of Newtown, Chester, near the fire station and North Gate Arena. Sunday services are held at at 9.30am and 11am and all are welcome to attend.

The church also works in the local community, with students, young people and hold a weekly drop-in cafe for vulnerable and homeless people.