Church cream teas celebrate start of Olympic torch relay

Thousands of free cream teas were served by churches across Cornwall on Saturday to mark the start of the Olympic torch relay.

Around 10,000 people were expected to enjoy the treat, which was on offer in almost every single church in the region.

The Great Cream Tea Challenge was organised by Churches Together in Cornwall, with cream for the event being provided by Rhodda’s and local farmers.

The event was held alongside a day of prayer for Cornwall and prayers were said for everyone taking part in the cream tea.

Many participating churches put on sporting events for the occasion.

“It’s great that the churches are working together in this way,” said Methodist minister the Rev Doreen Sparey-Delacassa, who was on the organising committee.

The Olympic flame left Land's End on Saturday to begin its journey through Cornwall.

Just a few hours earlier, a double-decker Praise Bus set off from Escalls Methodist Chapel carrying musicians who will sing their faith from the top deck as the vehicle tours along the same route as the torch.

On Sunday, special church services and prayer will be taking place for a revival of faith in Cornwall.

Some congregations are planning to devote themselves to a week of 24/7 prayer, leading up to a celebration at Gwennap Pit on Sunday 27 May, when the preacher will be the Rev Leo Osborn, President of the Methodist Conference.