REPRESENTATIVES from every corner of Felixstowe have gathered to pray for the town and its leaders in the year ahead.Dignitaries, people from various organisations throughout the town, and members of the public joined together in celebration and reflection at the annual Felixstowe Civic Service yesterday .

By Jo Macdonald

REPRESENTATIVES from every corner of Felixstowe have gathered to pray for the town and its leaders in the year ahead.

Dignitaries, people from various organisations throughout the town, and members of the public joined together in celebration and reflection at the annual Felixstowe Civic Service yesterday .

Reverend Gerald Harrison conducted the service of prayers, readings and hymns which was this year held at the Church of St Peter and Paul, in Church Road.

In one of his first engagements as the new mayor of Felixstowe, Malcolm Minns read A Nun's Prayer, which had been told to him by his mother when he was young – although to suit his role and gender he changed the title to The Prayer of an Ageing Councillor.

He welcomed representatives from Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Coastal District Council saying it was the first time both had been present at the annual service for several years.

And he invited the mayoress, his wife Josephine, to read a few a words from the Book of Luke.

Additional readings and prayers were given by Town Clerk, Susan Robinson, Rev Ken Martin and Rev John Andrews.

An offering during the service collected money to be contributed to the Mayor's Charity Fund.

After the service everyone was invited to join the mayor and mayoress for tea.