ABOUT 4,000 Christians gathered in Oxford to praise God and enjoy the sunshine.

Members of 47 churches from the city met in Broad Street for Love Oxford, with a service led by Michael Green, former rector of St Aldate's, and the Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard.

Denominations taking part in the Sunday event, now in its third year, included Anglican, Baptist, United Reformed, Catholic, Pentecostal, and Evangelicals.

One of the highlights was the baptism of four adults in a paddling pool.

The bishop said: "Love Oxford was one of the first events I attended after becoming Bishop of Oxford last year, so I was delighted to be invited back for the second year running.

"It was quite a noisy gathering so we tried to be aware of the sensibilities of our neighbours.

"We didn't start the service until about 11.30am to make sure we were not waking students in nearby colleges too early."

Prayers were said for the homeless and asylum seekers in Oxford, and victims of the Burmese cyclone.

Jonathan Self, from St Aldate's Church, added: "Everyone had a great time and this is becoming a very popular fixture on Oxford's Christian calendar."

Organisers of Love Oxford held a free barbecue last year, and cleaned disadvantaged areas of Oxford.