Hundreds gather for mass baptism in the sea

Hundreds of people have taken part in an outdoor service which saw 92 people baptised in the sea.

Congregations from five churches across Bournemouth gathered next to Boscombe Pier for the event.

Peter Baker, senior minister at Lansdowne Church, led the ceremony described as a celebration of faith.

He said the public display was to "bring together Christians who believe in Jesus Christ and want to tell the world that".

Mr Baker said the church was "alive and kicking" in Bournemouth and it had seen a "quiet revival" post Covid.

He said it felt like a festival and the churches were planning to do similar events in the future for people who were "unashamed" of their faith.

Liam Brownen, 35, from Ringwood, was one of those baptised at the Bournemouth collective church beach baptism event.

He said the church had helped him to overcome his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction.

"The second I gave my life to Christ I was instantly relieved of the bondage of addiction," he said.

He added that the baptism "means everything to me. I owe my life to Christ so to be baptised in his name is unbelievable".

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