March 20:AS tensions mount in the Gulf region, a special church service offering prayers for peace will be held at St Andrew's Church, in Chippenham, on Sunday.

The Rev Simon Tatton-Brown will lead the service, at 6.30pm.

"I sense the anxiety amongst people about the threat of war," he said.

Mr Tatton-Brown said the service would not be partisan, with a wide range of prayers, reflecting the fears and concerns of everyone, including people who had loved ones serving in the Armed Forces in the region.

"There is a lot of worry, and no-one knows where a war is going to lead.

There is concern about who is going to get hurt," he said. "There are many military bases in this part of Wiltshire and of course, concern for loved ones in the Gulf at the moment ."

The service will replace the usual Sunday night evensong.